Planet Sport exclusive: Nicky Henderson's Grand National fancy
Multiple champion trainer Nicky Henderson has Grand National fever like the rest of us, but with no runner in the race for him today, he is pinning his hopes on a British-trained hope.
Planet Sport caught up with the champion trainer on the Aintree course a few hours before the race, whilst he was standing nearby jockey James Bowen, who rides Kildisart.
It was quite clear where his loyalties lie: "I'd love to see James Bowen win it! Simple, simple, simple!"
Kildisart was second in the 2021 Ultima at Cheltenham but then had a long layoff and then finished a staying on fourth in the BetVictor Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase in early March. He could be a good each-way shout but there are concerns over his fitness.
All joking apart, as you'd expect, 'Hendo' has run the rule over the whole field and said: "I think the obvious horse is Snow Leopardess. She's got the profile to win the race.
❄ "It's just started snowing!"
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) April 9, 2022
Surely a good omen for Alice Plunkett who tells us the story of Snow Leopardess, who could become the first mum to win the Grand National#ITVRacing | #TheOpeningShow | #TheGrandNational pic.twitter.com/q4t4JZtRwl