Caribean Boy and Farclas out of Grand National field

Eclair Surf and Fortescue are both guaranteed a run in the Randox Grand National after Caribean Boy and Farclas were taken out of the Aintree showpiece at Thursday's final declaration stage.

Emma Lavelle's Eclair Surf brings strong form to the table, having won the Classic Chase at Warwick before chasing home last week's easy Scottish National heroine Win My Wings in the Eider at Newcastle.

It looked like the eight-year-old would have to make do with a place on the reserve list, but he has made the cut as number 39 following two unexpected defections.

Caribean Boy was out to provide Nicky Henderson with an elusive first National success, but was not declared after suffering a setback.

Part-owner Simon Munir posted on Twitter: "Unfortunately, sorry to report that Caribean Boy has pulled a hamstring and will be a non-runner in Saturday's Grand National."

Farclas was due to be part of Gordon Elliott's strong squad, but was also not declared, meaning Fortescue creeps in at the bottom of the field for Henry Daly.

The eight-year-old Farclas, who finished fifth last year, is waiting for Fairyhouse.

Eddie O'Leary, racing manager for Gigginstown House Stud, said: "He's very well, he's in really good form but we're just wanting to go for the Irish National with him.

"The Irish National is a race very close to our hearts so that's where he'll go instead of Aintree. He's perfectly well within himself, we're just going to save him for Fairyhouse."

After gambling on getting a run by missing last week's Scottish National, a delighted Daly said: "I think in modern-day terminology in text or whatever, I think it goes TFFT - but I'm not totally sure what that means!

"I think it means Thank Goodness For That, or some such. According to the