The saying goes horses for courses, and there will be no contender across this week’s three-day festival who knows Aintree better than Vieux Lion Rouge.
The 12-year-old, trained by David Pipe, has raced on the Grand National course in Merseyside on nine separate occasions during his career, including competing in the race itself four times.
Sixth represents the best result he has achieved in the iconic contest – but there is a confidence among the team that he can do better this year.
An Aintree specialist, Rouge won the Becher Handicap Chase for the second time in his career in December, by a mammoth 24 lengths.
And while tenth at Chepstow in the Welsh Grand National in January may not scream out winning potential, jockey Conor O’Farrell believes the veteran can shine once more on good ground.
“I’d say this is the best chance he’ll ever have - there’s a lot of very good horses and you wouldn’t say no to owning any of them, but I just think my fella has come of age with the performance he put in to win the Becher,” O’Farrell told Independent Radio.
“That was fantastic and he ran a solid race in the Welsh National last time out. If he turns up at Aintree in the same sort of form, I think he’ll run a big race.
“He’s a pleasure to ride and I’m just very grateful to all connections for giving me the chance.
“We had a great time the last couple of times we were together, so I’m looking forward to getting back on board.”
Meanwhile, Graeme McPherson, who balances being a trainer with a practising QC, is hoping for a fairy tale of his own on the grand stage of Aintree.
A long 11 years into holding his training license, McPherson finally has his first runner in the Grand National with 100/1 shot Ami Desbois.
From a base of just 12 boxes to being able to cater for as many as 80 horses, McPherson’s yard has come a long way and are now ready for their biggest day to date with their wily 11-year-old contender.
“I just love it. It’s my favourite race in the calendar and personally I think it’s the biggest race in the world,” McPherson said.
“I’ve got a picture of Red Rum winning his third National above my desk and it’s always been an absolute dream to have a runner in it.
“To see him [Ami Desbois] come home safe will far and away be the best thing.
“If he jumps all 30 fences and comes home safe, I will be delighted. Anything more than that really will be a fairytale!”
