Stone Ronnie’s runner ruled out of National

Sandymount Duke has become the latest horse to be ruled out of the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.

Despite being a 100-1 outsider, the ten-year-old has attracted plenty of attention in the lead up to the world’s most famous steeplechase as he carries the colours of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood.

Wood looked like missing out on an appearance at Aintree as he was due to be preparing for the veteran rockers’ No Filter tour in America later this month, but with the tour recently cancelled due to health issues suffered by singer Mick Jagger, he may well have been on Merseyside after all.

However, his long-time friend and the horse’s trainer Jessica Harrington confirmed yesterday morning Sandymount Duke will not be making the trip across the Irish Sea.

Harrington said: “He’s given himself a knock and unfortunately he won’t be running at Aintree.

“It’s disappointing for us and Ronnie, but what will be will be.”