Racing: Aintree honours Red Rum

Red Rum, the Grand National's greatest hero, is to be honoured with a race run in his name on the day of the big race. The Martell Aintree Chase, won last year by Arctic Kinsman, is to be renamed the Martell Red Rum Chase. Worth pounds 40,000, it is the second race on this year's card and will be televised by the BBC.

Aintree's managing director, Charles Barnett, said: "Red Rum's achievements at Aintree will never be forgotten. Martell and ourselves were keen to inaugurate a race in his honour, and when we discussed the idea with Ginger McCain [his former trainer] we all agreed that a race on National day would be wholly appropriate. This race will ensure that Red Rum's name is on everyone's lips as we build up to the race he dominated for so many years."

City Index have stepped in to give Newmarket's Craven Stakes its first sponsor since 1991. The pounds 30,000-added race, run this year on 17 April, is the first of the major Classic trials.

Set The Fashion, winner of last year's Czech St Leger, has had to be put down after breaking a leg on the gallops yesterday. The Dai Williams- trained eight-year-old was cantering in preparation for a run in the Gladstone Claiming Stakes today at Lingfield. He was bred and owned by The Queen and trained by Lord Huntingdon until joining Williams in 1995.