Snow joke at Aintree

The eight-year-old, trained in Co Carlow by Willie Mullins, who won the world's greatest steeplechase with Hedgehunter in 2005, was the ante-post favourite when the weights were announced in February.

A couple of modest runs since then saw his odds extend to 18-1 and Cloudy Lane, currently priced at 11-2, could yet be the shortest priced favourite since 7-2 shot Red Rum in 1975 if the threat of snow disappears.

Cloudy Lane is trained by Donald McCain, son of Ginger who masterminded three Aintree triumphs for the legendary Red Rum.

Coral spokesman Simon Clare said: 'If the country wakes up to a freeze or if the snow comes, then you could see a snowball effect on the Snowy Morning's odds.

'It's just the sort of name which will appeal to the once-a-year punter.'

Only 12 of the 29 runners yesterday got round over the Grand National fences in the Topham Chase which was won by Gwanako.

Two horses were killed — In The High Grass and Time To Sell — both Irish trained.

No fewer than seven veterinary surgeons will be on duty at Aintree today to ensure the highest standard of care for all the runners at this high-profile meeting.

Tony Dobbin, who won the 'bomb scare' Grand National on Lord Gyllene in 1997, announced that he would be retiring from riding on Thursday at Carlisle, his home racecourse, ahead of today's big race.

But Dobbin, 35, the seventh most successful jump jockey with almost 1,200 winners, must be passed fit by a doctor before he can ride Point Barrow after taking a shaking fall on Nacarat in the Topham Chase. Despite the fall, he expects to be competing.

Speaking about his decision to retire, he said: 'Rose Davidson, my girlfriend, is going to train for the 2009 season and I did intend going on riding until then.

'But the more I thought about it over the last couple of months, the more I decided to go and work for a few trainers over the next year. I'll be working for Kevin Ryan and others.

'It would be amazing to go out on a high with Point Barrow. He was the best spare ride going and he'll get 120 per cent from me.'

Mick Fitzgerald (L'Ami) and Barry Geraghty (Slim Pickings) will also have to pass a doctor's examination after suffering heavy falls, Fitzgerald from Crozan in the Topham causing him to miss riding a winner (Oedipe) in a later race and Geraghty from Mister Top Notch in the Totepool Handicap Chase.

Both expect to be fine this morning although Geraghty's left hand was encased in an ice bandage, while Fitzgerald was a little shaken.