Aintree call for Nina Carberry

There was a late call up for top Meath amateur jockey Nina Carberry to partner Sir Des Champs in the Aintree Grand National this afternoon on the 25/1 shot owned by Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown.

The first female winner of the Meath Sportsperson of the Year award after she won the Irish Grand National on Organisedconfusion, Nina will be bidding to become the first female to ride the winner of the showpiece Aintree event as she replaces Ruby Walsh who was injured yesterday.

Her sister-in-law Katie Walsh, a sister of Ruby, will be in action in the big race on board Ballycasey – she finished third on Seabass previously.

At one stage earlier this year Sir Des Champs was a contender for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Ruby took two bad falls at Aintree yesterday and was diagnosed with a fractured wrist and he returned home but still will be aiming to be fit for action at Punchestown at the end of the month.

According to the clerk of the course at Aintree the going has changed slightly following 7mm of rain overnight with Grand National course described as Soft, Good to Soft in places.

A bright and sunny day in the Liverpool area is forecast with the big race off at 5.15pm.

Meath jockey Barry Geraghty will be on board Shuttheforntdoor and local trained horses in the race include Vics Canvas, Goonyella, Home Farm, Gallant Oscar and Ucello Conti. There will be 39 runners.