Racing: Aintree authorities reject idea of a Grand National rerun: Jockey Club begins inquiry into big race as bookmakers counting the multi-million pound cost of fiasco ponder legal action

THERE will be no Grand National this year. In the aftermath of Saturday's debacle, when the world's most celebrated steeplechase was declared void after the second of two false starts, Aintree officials have abandoned any thought of rerunning the race.

An early substitute race was ruled out as the Scottish and Irish Nationals, plus the Whitbread Gold Cup, will be run in the coming weeks, and, after consultations, it was considered 'unpractical' to stage the National at Liverpool's November meeting.

Peter Greenall, the Aintree chairman who talked to Britain's three leading trainers, Martin Pipe, David Nicholson and Nigel Twiston-Davies yesterday, said: 'Trainers who have been consulted overwhelmingly say it would not be practical from the horse point of view to run it again this season.' Travelling and entry expenses, plus jockey fees are to be reimbursed to those represented on Saturday.

Spectators who paid up to pounds 60 will be granted free entry to Aintree's November meeting on production of badges, but for one horse there may be no return. Richard Lee's Travel Over suffered tendon damage when broken tape wrapped around his leg and his future is in doubt. 'It's a serious injury and it might well be that he will not be able to race again,' Lee said.

William Hill, the bookmakers, feel hurt themselves and are looking at steps they can take to recover their portion of the estimated pounds 75m staked on the National, and may sue Aintree. Hills, who spent a six-figure sum on advertising and marketing on the run-up to the race, believe they may have lost over pounds 2m, as all stakes on the race will have to be returned.

David Hood, a company spokesman, said: 'The legal department is talking to the company's directors today and they are considering taking action against the racecourse.'

As the Jockey Club, racing's rulers, begin an inquiry at Portman Square today, they will consider a suggestion from Hood, among others, that starting stalls should be introduced for National Hunt racing.

'As a former jockey, I know this will probably produce a reaction of shock and horror from traditionalists, but it would be far better than having another pounds 70m farce,' Hood said.

Police yesterday revealed that about 30 animals rights protestors had invaded the course shortly before the start of the race.

Their actions caused the first of the problems for the starter, Keith Brown. He declared a false start when the tapes were broken for the first time on Saturday, and his flagged signal was reinforced successsfully by the recall official Ken Evans, further up the course.

But when the tape was broken for a second time, Evans failed to emerge and the majority of the field went on its way. Evans's competence was subsequently questioned, but video evidence shows that Brown's flag was not unfurled and would have been almost impossible to spot.

Both men were uncontactable yesterday. Brown's wife, Deidre, said from the family home in Churt, Surrey. 'I'm very sorry but he's not speaking to anybody today.' The message from Evans's house in Bryn, Greater Manchester, was that he would not be answering questions.

Martell, the National sponsors who put pounds 750,000 into this year's race, have pledged to continue their support and National officials were yesterday putting a brave face on events. Greenall told reporters that the race's standing could be recovered. 'I am not as sceptical as you are that the reputation of the Grand National has been so dented,' he said.

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