Bounce probable for National

Buckboard Bounce is a probable runner in Saturday's Grand National at Aintree after finishing eighth in a handicap hurdle at Carlisle on Saturday. Gordon Richards, his trainer, said: "He raced with them for a long way yesterday and I was quite pleased with him," the trainer said. He will be ridden by Paul Carberry if the jockey proves his fitness in time.

Martin Pipe is still keeping his National options open. Challenger Du Luc has an alternative engagement in Thursday's Martell Cup Chase. All For Luck will not run in the National because Pipe favours a a tilt at Friday's Perrier Jouet Handicap Chase. That means that Pipe may only be represented by the outsiders Mugoni Beach and Evangelica.

Mouse Morris yesterday criticised Jason Titley for upsetting his National plans. The Irish trainer is annoyed that the jockey has switched to Jenny Pitman's Nahthen Lad at Aintree next Saturday, leaving Morris searching for a rider for New Co.

Tim Forster says an as yet unnamed "big-name" jockey will ride General Wolfe. "We're prepared to wait until the 11th hour to get our man," he said. Warren Marston has picked up the ride on Christmas Gorse.