DROP Out Joe, from Charlie Longsdon’s Chipping Norton stables, found things happening a bit too quick for him in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree following his 286-day absence.

The nine-year-old, running for the first time since landing the John Smith’s Summer Cup at Uttoxeter last June following a career-threatening stifle injury, was always towards the rear of the field before being pulled up before the last fence by Tom O’Brien.

Sent off a 33-1 shot, the chestnut gelding never got in a blow as One For Arthur (14-1), from Lucinda Russell’s Kinross yard, claimed a famous victory for Scotland under Derek Fox.

Drop Out Joe was due to be one of two runners for Longsdon in the £1m spectacular, but Pendra was withdrawn at the final declaration stage after picking up a knock.

Meanwhile, Longsdon is to give Loose Chips a holiday after his thrilling triumph over stablemate Bob Tucker at Ascot recently.

The 11-year-old put in a terrific round of jumping at the head of affairs under Graham Watters in a three-mile veterans’ handicap chase, before emerging victorious by a head after the pair battled it out up the home straight.

Loose Chips has won more than £62,000 in veterans’ races this season, and Longsdon said: “He is as hard as nails and always has been. He is a proper advocate for the series.”

Bob Tucker is set to run again this season, with the trainer adding: “He ran a cracker as well and the better ground has made the difference with him.”