As De Mee has been ruled out of the 2018 Randox Health Grand National due to a leg injury.

Trainer Paul Nicholls was looking forward to saddling the eight-year-old - who is co-owned by Andy Stewart, his family and Dame Judi Dench - at Aintree Racecourse next week.

As De Mee finished fifth in last year's Topham Chase, while he also won the 2016 Grand Sefton Chase, both run over the big Grand National fences.

As De Mee had been around a 50-1 chance in the ante-post betting for the world's greatest steeplechase. But a leg problem means he won't line-up at Aintree a week on Saturday. But Nicholls, who won the Grand National with Neptune Collonges in 2012, is hoping to get him back fit for a crack at the 2019 renewal.

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Nicholls told his Betfair blog: "I'm disappointed to report that As De Mee is out of next week's Grand National after sustaining a minor leg injury.

"It is tough luck on his owners Andy Stewart, his family and Dame Judi Dench who were looking forward to a big run from him as he has smart form over the Aintree fences.

"I've been preparing As De Mee all season with the Grand National in mind.

"Hopefully he might get there next year if he is back in full training by Christmas."

Meanwhile owner Stewart is set to sponsor a race at the 2018 Grand National Festival in honour of his legendary staying hurdler Big Buck's.

The first race of the three-day Grand National meeting will be known as the Big Buck's Celebration Manifesto Novices' Chase - the Grade One contest staged over two and a half miles on the Mildmay course.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Big Buck's won a record 18 consecutive races over hurdles between January 2009 and December 2012.

An astonishing 10 of those victories came at Grade One level including a record four wins in the Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival plus a record four consecutive successes at Aintree in the Liverpool Hurdle, which is now known as the Ryanair Stayers' Hurdle, from 2009 to 2012.

Big Bucks ridden by jockey Ruby Walsh on his way to victory in the BGC Partners Liverpool Hurdle on Liverpool Day of the Grand National meeting at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday April 8, 2010. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire.
Big Buck's, ridden by jockey Ruby Walsh, on his way to victory in the BGC Partners Liverpool Hurdle at the Grand National meeting at Aintree Racecourse on Thursday, April 8 2010 Picture by David Davies/PA

Although Stewart's star became known as a supreme staying hurdler he was also successful over fences at Aintree earlier in his career, landing the Grade Two Mildmay Novices' Chase in 2008.

He retired from racing in 2014 with 23 wins from 40 starts and prize-money earnings of £1.3million.

The now 15-year-old still enjoys a day's hunting with Lucy Felton and the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale, as well as accompanying her children and their ponies on rides.

Owner Stewart said "I am delighted to support this excellent race at Aintree to recognise the wonderful achievements of Big Buck's.

"I love visiting Aintree and have had some great days there.

"It is wonderful that the old horse is still fit and well and is currently thoroughly enjoying life with Lucy Felton."

John Baker, the North West director at Jockey Club Racecourses, added: "Andy is a regular at Aintree and we are absolutely thrilled that he has chosen to honour Big Buck's in this way.

"Andy's son Paul advised us recently on disabled facilities at Aintree and we thank him massively for that.

"We look forward to welcoming Andy and his guests to the 2018 Randox Health Grand National Festival."

Big Buck's (right), ridden by Ruby Walsh jumps a fence ahead of Monzon on the way to winning the John Smith's Mildmay Novices Chase at the Grand National Meeting at Aintree on April 4 2008 Picture by Hamish Blair/Getty Images
Big Buck's (right), ridden by Ruby Walsh jumps a fence ahead of Monzon on the way to winning the John Smith's Mildmay Novices Chase at the Grand National Meeting at Aintree on April 4 2008 Picture by Hamish Blair/Getty Images

First staged in 2009, the Big Buck's Celebration Manifesto Novices' Chase takes boasts an outstanding roll of honour.

Initially a Grade Two contest it was upgraded to a Grade One ahead of the 2012 renewal.

Some of the best winners of the race include Uxizandre (2014), who went on to the land the Ryaniar Chase at the Cheltenham Festival the following season and multiple Grade Two-winning chaser Menorah (2012).

The contest was initially named in honour of Manifesto, who ran in the Grand National a record eight time, winning the great Aintree showpiece twice in 1897 and 1899. He was also third three times and fourth once.

The Big Buck's Celebration Manifesto Novices' Chase is the first of four Grade One races on Grand National Thursday next week (April 12).