Definitly Red has been made the new favourite for the Grand National.

The world’s greatest steeplechase at Aintreee takes place next week and there is a new horse at the head of the betting in the shape of trainer Brian Ellison’s eight-year old.

He was excellent in winning the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster earlier this year and now he has been backed into 10/1 favourite.

“Based on his run at Doncaster I think he probably does deserve to be favourite,” said Ellison.

“He was very impressive in the Grimthorpe and before that we beat Blaklion at Wetherby, so he’s surrounded by good form.

“His schooling couldn’t have gone any better, he worked well on Tuesday and he’s scoped 100 per cent clean.

“He’s never let us down. Last year I was doubtful about his stamina, but he’s much stronger this season. When you look at his Doncaster win you couldn’t say he won’t stay. That was over three miles and two furlongs, and he definitely wasn’t stopping.”

Odds change

After making Definitely Red the new favourite, BetVictor spokesperson Jack Milner said: “Connections had two beaten favourites on Wednesday at Sedgefield however, that hasn’t dampened support for the Grimthorpe winner with Brian Ellison’s gelding vying for favouritism with David Pipe’s Becher Chase winner Vieux Lion Rouge.

“At bigger prices, Tom George’s 2015 runner-up Saint Are is 33/1 from 50s after the booking of Davy Russel in the plate, with stablemate Double Shuffle 40/1 from 66s after getting the nod from stable jockey Adrian Heskin.”