FATE conspired against the two Ryedale runners in this year's Martell Grand National.

There was no fairytale win for Inn at the Top or for Niki Dee at Aintree on Saturday, with both horses falling victim to the course's notorious fences.

Inn At The Top was the first casualty, shedding rider Adie Smith at the opening fence.

Niki Dee didn't last much further, with jockey Ross Garritty's race finishing at the fourth fence.

At the White Bear Inn, in Stillington, where regulars were rooting for Brandsby trainer Peter Beaumont's horse Niki Dee, landlord Phil Robinson said there were many glum faces in the bar after Niki Dee's short outing.

He said: "It was a case of Oh Dear Me. Niki Dee was a solid outside chance.

"We didn't know whether the horse was fit enough - it hadn't ran for more than 700 days.

"I suppose it was all a bit of an anti-climax really. There have been a few glum faces but anything can happen in this race.

"As long as the horse and jockey are all right, it's okay with me."

Niki Dee's trainer Peter Beaumont said the race had been a total disappointment for him.

"I thought he had a good chance," he said. "There were high hopes.

"Obviously I am glad he is back in one piece, but he didn't make it onto the right track.

"He is entered in the Scottish National. We will have to wait and see how he is."

There was disappointment also for Jimmy Turner, the Helperby trainer of Inn At The Top.

He said: "The race was very disappointing. The ground was lovely for him. Everything was in his favour.

"I thought he had a good chance but he just over-jumped.

"Let's hope for better next year. Obviously, he came back in one piece and that's what it is all about."

How they finished: 1 Bindaree 20-1; 2 What's Up Boys 10-1; 3 Blowing Wind 8-1 fav; 4 Kingsmark 16-1; 5 Supreme Charm; 6 Celibate; 7 You're Agoodun; 8 Royal Predica; 9 Streamstown; 10 Birkdale; 11 Mely Moss.

Where the others went out - 1st fence: Marlboorough, Paris Pike, Inn At The Top, Wicked Crack, Goguenard, Red Ark, Carryonharry, Struggles Glory, Logician.

Fourth fence: Niki Dee, Samuel Wilderspin.

Fifth fence: Frantic Tan, Iris Bleu.

Sixth fence: Alexander Banquet.

Seventh fence: Gun'n Roses II.

Ninth fence: Smarty.

14th fence: Beau.

18th fence: Lyreen Wonder, Manx Magic, Ackzo.

22nd fence: Majed.

24th fence: The Last Fling, Inis Cara.

27th fence: Davids Lad, Spot Thedifference, Djeddah, Ad Hoc.

Updated: 13:24 Monday, April 08, 2002