Sam Waley-Cohen fears he will be without a ride in next year's Grand National now his old ally Liberthine has been retired to stud.

The amateur rider, from Edge Hill, near Banbury, has a phenomenal record over the Aintree fences, winning the Fox Hunters and Topham Chase in 2006.

Having been prevented from riding in the big race itself until this year because of his lack of winners under Rules, he and Liberthine finished a creditable fifth behind Silver Birch.

"Liberthine is in foal and we will see if we can find something for the Topham and the Foxhunters," he said. "I'd certainly like to advertise myself as available for a ride."