Gold run is in doubt

NICKY HENDERSON will walk the course at Aintree this morning before ruling on Gold Present’s participation in Saturday’s Grand National.

The eight-year-old’s two victories this season, at Newbury and Ascot, have been gained on ground officially described as good to soft.

Gold Present (above, far side) is a 22-1 shot with William Hill, but Henderson warned: “He’s the one horse I wouldn’t want to run on very soft ground.

“I will walk the course first thing in the morning and make a decision with [owner] John Cotton before declarations.”