Grand National: BHA explains decision to bar Mr Incredible from taking part

The British Horseracing Authority has offered clarification as to why the Sandy Thomson-trained Mr Incredible has been prevented from running in Saturday’s Randox Grand National.

While the nine-year-old, who unseated Brian Hayes at The Chair in last year’s race, was guaranteed a run with a mark of 150, he had failed to complete his last five races and concerns were raised by the National Fence Review Panel, which assesses the suitability of horses set to run over the famous obstacles.

Connections of Mr Incredible appealed the decision but were forced to admit defeat on Monday at the five-day stage.

A BHA spokesperson said: “Each horse entered to take part in any race over the Grand National fences must undergo a range of checks regarding its suitability to run, such as pre-race veterinary checks on-course, and consideration of their profile by the National Fence Review Panel is a further layer of these checks designed to reduce all reasonably avoidable risk.

“The Panel, a highly experienced group made up of former jockeys, veterinarians, clerks of the course and stewards, carefully consider each horse’s suitability to take part. Their assessment includes the horse’s ability, fitness, recent form and overall readiness for its intended race, and they work closely with connections of any horse about which they have concerns before a decision on its participation is reached.

“Connections have the ability to appeal a decision of the National Fence Review Panel, which is heard by the director of racing, the director of equine regulation, safety and welfare and head of stewarding. A final decision is then communicated to connections, as was the case with Mr Incredible.”

Thomson told Nick Luck’s Daily podcast: “I was contacted after entry and they offered me to withdraw but James Manclark bought him to run in the Grand National, he’s been trying for about three years to buy a horse and it’s very difficult.

“One or two could be bought cheaply but how much chance they’d actually have, who knows. But if this horse showed his true form, he would have a chance.

“They (the panel) had two issues. One was that he would disrupt the start but the only time he has disrupted a start was the one time he wore cheekpieces, every other time he has walked in. Their other point was his recent form, but their guideline was you take into account his last six runs and within that he was second in a Midlands National.

“We are where we are, it’s very disappointing, we’ve put in a huge amount of work with him.”

Mr Incredible had been well-fancied for the past two Grand Nationals but was quoted at more than 100-1 for this weekend's renewal.