Racing: Ebony's durability put to test

THE TOUGHEST race at the end of a difficult week is in prospect for several horses engaged in Saturday's Grand National. Ebony Jane and Captain Brandy, the stable-companions who finished third and fourth in Monday's Irish Grand National, look likely to reappear at Aintree. 'Ebony Jane seems well and ate up last night,' her trainer, Francis Flood, said. 'The owners are pretty keen to run her so we'll see how she is and decide on Thursday.'

Rather less impressive at Fairyhouse was High Peak, who started favourite and was pulled up. Nevertheless, he too could be galvanised into action. 'Mr McManus (J P, his owner) has expressed an interest in the horse running at Aintree,' Eddie O'Grady, his trainer, said. McManus may be doubly represented as Laura's Beau, third in 1992 but a lacklustre performer at Naas last time, is also to be pressed into service.

Black Humour's exertions will not include crossing the Irish Sea, but he may run in the Martell Cup at Aintree on Thursday before the big one.

Peter Scott, Hotspur of the Daily Telegraph for 26 years, died yesterday aged 64.

Yesterday's Chepstow card was abandoned due to waterlogging and Leicester tomorrow is under threat. An inspection will be held at noon.

Yesterday's results, page 35