/ Editor / 19 March 2007 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

Connections of leading Grand National contenders Nil Desperandum and Ladalko have been left shell-shocked, after both horses suffered injuries in Saturday's Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter.

Nil Desperandum, ante-post favourite for the Aintree marathon, suffered a broken pastern early in the contest and had to be humanely destroyed.

Meanwhile Ladalko, who was never travelling well, ruptured an artery and is out for the season.

Venetia Williams, heartbroken trainer of Nil Desperandum, told the Racing Post: "I just can't believe it, he's been such a sound horse to train this season. He been a real star, a joy to train, and it's a real blow to the yard."

Dun Doire has now been installed as the new favourite for the John Smith's Grand National, trading at 12.5, having been matched at an ante-post high of 34.