Going good for National

Aintree officials say that the Grand National Meeting will start with good ground at the Liverpool track.

The Mildmay course at Aintree is currently good, while conditions on the Grand National course itself are slightly easier at good, good to soft in places.

The forecast for Liverpool throughout the week is largely dry and clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch is not anticipating any significant ground changes.

Officials will continue to water the surface to maintain its current status, and Tulloch thinks it will be good ground for the big race on Saturday.

"The course has just dried out a bit so we watered the Mildmay course on Monday and we have just started watering the Grand National course," said Tulloch told At The Races.

Cloud breaks

"I think we are going to get some break in the clouds this afternoon but basically we are watering to maintain the current ground which is good.

"There are some showers coming in on Saturday and for the timing of that we are a bit far out at the moment.

"There is a front coming in and at the moment that is due to come in Saturday night but six hours difference could make a lot of difference.

"It's due to be getting warmer on Thursday, up to around 16 degrees. While on Friday it could be 18 degree sunshine.

"Obviously we have had a hard winter like everyone else but I'm delighted to say over the last couple of days things have really come on.

"I hope for the National we will be looking at good ground."