North Yorkshire's hopes of a Grand National winner were dashed when Inn At The Top was withdrawn from the list of 40 declarations for tomorrow's big race.

The horse, based at Norton-le-Clay, near Helperby, was reluctantly taken out of tomorrow's Martell Grand National because of the gruelling conditions by 'gutted' trainer Jim Turner.

The North Yorkshire trainer/farmer will not risk the nine-year-old at Aintree after heavy rain yesterday made the ground testing.

"It's sickening for the all the stable and everybody. We're gutted," he said.

Inn At The Top's withdrawal will allow the Irish-trained Merry People, the first of four reserves, to take his place in the £500,000 spectacular.

Updated: 11:29 Friday, April 06, 2001