ADRIAN Maguire will make a decision on his Martell Grand National mount tomorrow.

The Irishman has the choice of Ferdy Murphy's two runners Addington Boy and Paddy's Return with JP McNamara set to take the ride on whichever one he discards.

''I'm not rushing Adrian,'' Murphy said yesterday. ''He'll make his mind up on Tuesday when he comes here to school them and ride them in work.

''It depends on quite a few things. They both want top of the ground but if the weights go up then that would improve Paddy's Return's chances.''

Addington Boy has run with distinction in the last two Grand Nationals, finishing fourth to Bobbyjo in 1999 and fifth behind Papillon 12 months ago while Paddy's Return has also run well over the course having been placed third in the Becher Chase earlier this season.

''I'm absolutely 100 per cent pleased with their preparations,'' Murphy added. ''They have been aimed at the race this year since day one.''

Paddy's Return is quoted at 20-1 with William Hill while the same firm go 33-1 about Addington Boy's chances.

l Tom Scudamore showed what a fine addition he will be to the professional ranks when booting home the Martin Pipe-trained Maid Equal to success in the Weatherbys Hurdle (Registered As The Long Distance Hurdle) at Ascot on Saturday.

The 18-year-old showed all the polish connected to the family name - father Peter was champion jumps jockey eight times - to take his charge into the lead two out and spreadeagle his seven rivals.

Although the petrol began to run out approaching the last, Scudamore remained in the drive position and forced the 14-1 chance home to beat favourite Anzum by 12 lengths with Merry Masquerade back in third. It was the second success for the partnership this season and ensured Scudamore keeps the pressure on Ben Hitchcott in the battle for the amateur jockeys' title. Once that little argument is sorted then Scudamore - and Hitchcott - will sign professional forms.