Joes Edge, one of three co-favourites in the John Smith's Grand National, is recovering well after pulling up lame in the big race.

The ten-year-old was sent off the 8-1 market leader, along with Monkerhostin and Point Barrow, but jockey Graham Lee called time before the 20th fence.

Leyburn-based trainer Ferdy Murphy said yesterday: ''He had a session in the equine spa last night and another one this morning and I would say he's 50 per cent better than yesterday.

''We think he got a bit of a dead leg, sort of like footballers get, as he got a kick from another horse as he was jumping Valentines.

''There's quite a bit of bruising but I don't think it's anything too serious. We may have him scanned tomorrow, we will see how he is. He's got a lot of swelling.''

Despite Joes Edge having failed twice already in the National, Murphy is keen to return to Aintree for another crack next year.

''We will have a talk with the owner but I think we would be keen to go back there next year as he was jumping away like a boy and was just a bit unlucky. You need Lady Luck to shine on you there,'' he added.

Joes Edge is entered in next week's Coral Scottish Grand National as well as the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup and the Betfred Gold Cup later this month.

However, Murphy thinks it unlikely the gelding will run again this term, with only the latter event at the end of the month a viable option.

''I would think he's probably finished for the year unless he makes a remarkably quick recovery,'' Murphy explained.

''The only option is the Betfred and I think that will come a little bit too quick but I won't make any plans until I have discussed it with the owner.

''The number one priority is the horse's welfare.''