State of Play, 2006 Hennessy winner and runner up in this year’s Charlie Hall Chase,  may have seemed an obvious candidate for the Grand National but he must be considered a very doubtful runner according to a quote from his trainer.

Evan Williams recently stated that “…he owes us nothing and will never run in a Grand National”.

This seems pretty categorical especially for a horse who was fairly near the forefront of the 2007 betting for Aintree showpiece until being withdrawn at the last forfeit stage. Connections could always have a change of heart but with prices being quoted as short as 25/1 for the 2008 event punters should think carefully before investing.