Aintree have confirmed that there has been a change in the going ahead of the Grand National with conditions drying in Liverpool.

Clerk of the Course Andrew Tulloch has described the Grand National Course as Soft, Good to Soft in places (from Soft), while the Mildmay Course is Good to Soft, Good in places, (from Good to Soft) and the Hurdle Course is Good to Soft (from Good to Soft, Soft in places on the stands’ side).

Tulloch said: “We have just walked the courses again and they have dried. It is not that warm but the courses are just quietly drying.”

It was also confirmed that there are 70 horses currently still listed for the race, after nine horses dropped out earlier this week. Only 40 horses can go to post for Saturday’s £1-million Randox Health Grand National.

The nine horses came out of top-weight Carlingford Lough, Alelchi Inois, Foxrock, Maggio, Vic’s Canvas, Ziga Boy, The Romford Pele, Straidnahanna and Sizing Coal.

With Carlingford Lough pulling out – the new top-weight being the 2016 runner-up, The Last Samuri, trained by Kim Bailey and owned by Paul & Clare Rooney, on 11st 10lb. Bailey won the 1990 Grand National with Mr Frisk.

The final declaration stage is at 10am on Thursday, April 6, when 40 declared runners and four reserves go forward. The reserves can be brought in for any non-runners by 1pm on Friday, April 7.

With Last Samuri going up on weights, bookmakers shortened the odds on Definitly Red.

Hayley O’Connor of Ladbrokes said: “There’s increasing confidence in the market for Definitly Red. His impressive strike rate among other strong credentials have made him the most popular Grand National bet in recent days.”

Grand National Odds:
10 Definitly Red,11 Vieux Lion Rouge,12 Blaklion, 14 The Last Samuri, 14 One For Arthur, 14 Cause Of Causes, 14 More Of That, 16 The Young Master, 16 Pleasant Company, 20 Ucello Conti,  20 Saphir Du Rheu, 25 Tenor Nivernas, 25 Vicente, 33 Rogue Angel,  33 O’Faolains Boy, 33 Raz De Maree, 33 Regal Encore, 33 Thunder and Roses, 33 Wonderful Charm,  40 Saint Are, 40 Measureofmydreams, 40 Alvarado, 40 Double Shuffle, 40 Lord Windermere, 40 the Crafty Butcher, 50 Bishops Road, 50 Vyta Du Roc, 50 Bless The Wings, 50 Doctor Harper, 50 Goodtoknow, 50 Houblon Des Obeaux, 50 Just A Par, 50 Le Mercurey, 50 Pendra, 50 Perfect Candidate, 50 Roi Des Francs, 50 Royale Knight, 50 Shantou Flyer, 50 Stellar Notion, 50 Wounded Warrior, 66 bar (1/4 odds 1,2,3,4)​