IMPERIAL COMMANDER SET TO RACE AT AINTREE
Nigel Twiston-Davies reports that top-weight Imperial Commander is set to take his chance in the John Smith's Grand National. The 12-year-old is reported to be back in rude health after recovering from a lung infection that denied him the chance to reclaim his Gold Cup crown earlier this month.
However, the participation of the Twiston-Davies-trained gelding, who would have to defy top weight of 11st 10lb at Aintree, still depends upon whether conditions are deemed suitable.SIR PETER O'SULLEVAN TO REMAIN IN HOSPITALSir Peter O'Sullevan will remain in hospital overnight after he suffered a nosebleed while being discharged on Thursday afternoon. The 95-year-old retired BBC commentator was set to leave Charing Cross Hospital in London after showing marked improvement from a mild stroke on Sunday.O'Sullevan will now stay in hospital for observation, and is instead likely to be discharged on Friday morning.MAGUIRE HIT WITH 4-DAY BANThe Grand National-winning rider was found in breach of using his whip "when clearly winning" aboard Masterful Act in the 32Red "Jumpers' Bumper" National Hunt Flat Race.JUNIOR SET FOR FAIRYHOUSE TEST
Junior has been given the go-ahead to attempt to defy top weight in the Ladbrokes Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday. The David Pipe-trained 10-year-old, who is owned by Middleham Park Racing, has been a tremendous servant to connections, winning at both the Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot. He fell in last year's John Smith's Grand National at Aintree and has been out of luck in his three starts since landing the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle in December.MORE RACING NEWS CAN BE FOUND AT; http://www.sportinglife.com/racing
