RYALUX is entered in tomorrow's Scottish National at Ayr and gives our Fifteen to Follow some hopes of the big time this year.

But Andy Crook's charge is not alone. Robin Tate's Last Option (another of our 15), with Fiona Needham booked, is also entered, if slightly out of the handicap.

And Fatehalkhair, a decent fourth in the Thresher Handicap Chase on Friday at Aintree, is also among the entries. (Incidentally, in that race, Barton did not run and Ballybrough Rasher was pulled up).

Peter Beaumont's Hunters Tweed, owned by Trevor Hemmings, who missed the big one on Saturday despite having three entries, is another listed, but also out of the handicap. Others from hereabouts are too low in the weights, but we wish all of them from Yorkshire and nearby a good run.

None of our northern hopefuls fared well in the Grand National. Richard Guest and owner Norman Mason retired Red Marauder, the winner two years ago, the day before the race. Red Ark, Ballinclay King and Chives, with Guest aboard, all pulled up. The last two reportedly burst blood vessels.

Sir Robert Ogden's two, Ad Hoc and Fadalko, both unseated their riders as did Red Striker, Mary Reveley's Robbo and Sue Smith's luckless Goguenard, which was fatally injured.

However, Graham Lee, our northern jumps jockey in his first ever National, had a great ride for Ginger McCain, finishing third on Amberleigh House.

The day before, he was an eye-catching second on Kevin Ryan's Gralmano in the Listed handicap hurdle. Richard Guest's Mr Bossman was fourth in the Topham Chase earlier at a rewarding 12-1.

Saturday at the Liverpool course saw a superb run by Richard Fahey's Altay, second in the Listed handicap hurdle which opened the card. Howard Johnson's Lord Transcend was in the prize money, fifth in the Grade 1 Martell Cognac Aintree Hurdle. Sarah Dent's Hazel Reilly took a good fourth in the novice hunter chase.

Julie Wilson, wife of new Manfield trainer Chris, tipped us Royal Wanderer last week - their runner was third at Kelso on Monday at odds of 12-1. The meeting was dominated by Tim Easterby, who took a treble. Father Peter Easterby saddled the three, his first visit to the course for 53 years.

Ferdy Murphy had winners at Sedgefield and Uttoxeter. Marwood permit holder Peter Needham had his first of the season when Classic Lash took the opener at the County Durham course. Mary Reveley and Howard Johnson also won there, Graham Lee riding for the latter. Grant Tuer on his own Trade Dispute made it nine wins from 15 hunter chase starts.

On the level, Thirsk tomorrow sees the Classic Trial and Bryan Smart's Monsieur Bond has every chance against the southern boys. A double on the sand at Southwell showed his string in top form this week, the same being true of his rider Paul Scallon. Joe Fanning will partner Mark Johnston's Ketan, another possible for us in t'north.

David Barron also won two, but in successive Southwell meetings. David Nicholls' son James, as a part-owner, had a first victory trained by his dad. This was ridden by amateur Kelly Harrison, daughter of Middleham former trainer Alan "Taxi" Harrison.

The second division of the amateur riders' race also went to family connections - the David Chapman-trained Sharp Hat won under grandson Richard Clark, well known between the flags. His granddad said sister Ruth Clark had coached him well.

Pontefract held its first meeting on Tuesday and Lynda Ramsden's well regarded Lingo got the Sandhutton trainer off the mark for the season.

THE WEEK'S WINNERS

Thursday of last week. - Leicester: Mystic Man (trained by K Ryan, at Hambleton; owned by R J H Ltd), ridden by F Lynch.

Fri. - Southwell AW: Fiore Di Bosco (D Barron, Maunby; Miss P Laycock), D Mernagh; If By Chance (R Craggs, Sedgefield; trainer), D Allan (claiming 5lbs); Daintree Affair (K Burke, Wensley; P Sweeting), G Baker.

Sat. - No DST area winners.

Mon. - Southwell AW: Boisdale (D Nicholls, Sessay; Mrs S Tang, J Nicholls, Mrs S Thomson), Miss K Harrison (5); Are You There (D Barron; I Armitage), D Mernagh; Brandy Cove (B Smart, Hambleton; Miss N Jefford), P Scallon (3); Differential (B Smart; trainer), P Scallon (3); Sharp Hat (D Chapman, Stillington; Miss N F Thesiger), Mr R Clark (7).

Kelso NH: King's Bounty (T Easterby, Great Habton; C H Stevens), R Garritty; Tribal Dispute (T Easterby; Mrs J E Pallister), R Garritty; Damien's Choice (A Swinbank, Melsonby; M Sawers), T Dobbin; Minivet (T Easterby; Oakhill Wood Stud), Mr A Tinkler (7).

Tue. - Pontefract: Mizhar (J Quinn, Settrington; A Page), K Fallon; Lingo (L Ramsden, Sandhutton; Swisspartners), J Spencer.

Sedgefield NH: Classic Lash (P Needham, Marwood; permit holder), Cakcub McCormack; Monessori Mio (M Reveley, Lingdale; P D Savill), A Dempsey; Looking Forward (F Murphy, West Witton; Mrs G Handley), Neil Mullholland (3); Trade Dispute (G Tuer, Great Smeaton; permit holder), Mr G Tuer; Teme Valley (H Johnson, Crook; C Heron), G Lee.

Wed. - Uttoxeter NH: Be Upstanding (F Murphy; M Holmes), S Durack