Ayr recruit Marley as clerk of course

AYR Racecourse have appointed Emma Marley as clerk of the course and she will assume her duties from early May.

Marley, 30, replaces Hazel Peplinksi who has been acting clerk of the course at the west-coast track since August after former incumbent Katherine Self left to take up a post with HM Coastguard.

Marley is currently clerk of the course at Bath and has also worked for Northern Racing in their commercial departments at Chepstow and Hereford. Prior to this she worked as an assistant trainer, racing secretary, work rider and has also trained point-to-point horses. "I am looking forward to a fresh challenge," she said.

Meanwhile, last year's winner Mon Mome features among 75 horses remaining in the John Smith's Grand National following the latest entry stage. The ten-year-old landed the Aintree spectacular as a 100-1 shot last season, but will be a fraction of those odds this time having finished a fantastic third in last week's Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Ryanair Chase winner Albertas Run is a notable scratching but both Madison du Berlais and Notre Pere remain at the head of the weights with 11st 10lb. Mon Mome will carry 11st 7lb should those two stand their ground.