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

Veteran retired trainer Mercy Rimell has given the go-ahead for her Racing Post Chase winner Simon to take his chance in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree on April 14.

Rimell, widow of the legendary trainer Fred who sent out four winners of the world's greatest steeplechase, has finally been persuaded by trainer John Spearing to give the nod to Simon taking his chance over the awesome Aintree fences.

Rimell told the Racing Post: "I have agreed that Simon should run in the National. It's all very well waiting for another year, but he will never again be so well handicapped.

"He has a nice wight (10st 11lbs) and there is also, of course, the fact that I will be 88 in June!"

Matched at a high of 540 in Betfair's ante-post market on the race, Simon is now available to back at 29, behind new favourite Dun Doire, who now heads the market at 12.5.

Last year's winner Numbersixvalverde is next best at 14.5, followed by Point Barrow (17.5) and Hedgehunter (18.5).