Racing: National ban for Byrne

DEREK BYRNE was banned for 10 days for reckless riding at Newcastle on Saturday and may miss the ride on Four Trix in the Grand National. Byrne's mount Brambleberry was disqualified in the Northern Champion Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

Brambleberry, who had finished second to Batabanoo, was found to have interfered with fourth-placed Ste-Jan between the last two flights. Ste-Jan was later moved up to third place.

Byrne, disqualified from 29 March to 7 April inclusive, is considering an appeal, feeling that the decision was harsh.

GRAND NATIONAL (Aintree, 3 April): Ladbrokes: 7-1 Royal Athlete, 8-1 Zeta's Lad, 10-1 Party Politics, 12-1 Captain Dibble & Romany King, 20-1 others; William Hill: 8-1 Royal Athlete & Zeta's Lad, 10-1 Party Politics, 14-1 Captain Dibble & Romany King, 20-1 Garrison Savannah, 25-1 others.

THE LINCOLN (Doncaster, Saturday): Ladbrokes: 11-1 Mizaaya, 12-1 Amazing Feat, Loki & Millsolin, 14-1 Petite-D-Argent, 16-1 others; William Hill: 10-1 Amazing Feat, Millsolin & Mizaaya, 14-1 Loki & Petite-D-Argent, 16-1 Allinson's Mate, Beware Of Agents & Roseate Lodge, 20-1 others.