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17 horses have been removed from the Aintree Grand National following the latest scratching stage.

As recently revealed by trainer Shark Hanlon, King George hero Hewick will not line up in the Aintree feature on April 13th having been officially removed from the famous steeplechase this afternoon.

Hanlon's bargain buy was forced to miss the Cheltenham Gold Cup at Prestbury Park last month due to unsuitable ground conditions, with the Grade 2 Aintree Bowl next on the agenda for the fan-favourite.

Former ante-post favourite Monbeg Genius is another high-profile contender who will not be lining up in Merseyside next month, with Jonjo O'Neill removing the eight-year-old, who was last seen pulling up in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this month.

Gordon Elliott remains with nineteen entries despite scratching Diol Ker, Dunboyne and Gevrey.

The next elimination phase will come at the five-day confirmation stage.