Trainer Jonjo O'Neill expressed his certainty that Clan Royal will take first place in the Grand National. The race is only 9 days away and the joint favourites are currently the popular Hedgehunter and O'Neill's Clan Royal, the odds around 6/1.

Clan Royal has been unlucky in the Grand National two years running. In 2004 jockey Liam Cooper lost his whip fifth from the last and last year Tony McCoy was seriously hampered by two loose horses crossing his path. This year O'Neill feels sure of better luck. Maybe 2006 will see Clan Royal's Grand National victory.