This is the Trevor Hemmings-owned horse Vicente, likely to carry the hopes and dreams of many once-a-year Manx punters in Saturday’s Grand National.

Businessman Mr Hemmings is bidding for a record fourth win as an owner in the famous Aintree steeplechase.

Vicente was only recently bought by Mr Hemmings, who has won the Grand National three times before with Hedgehunter (2005), Ballabriggs (2011) and Many Clouds (2015).

The eight-year-old won the Scottish National at Ayr last spring. He is trained by 10-times National Hunt champion trainer Paul Nicholls and is set to have leading north of England-based jockey Brian Hughes on board for the race which goes off at 5.15pm on Saturday.

Mr Hemmings said it was looking likely that Vicente will be racing in ’perfect’ ground conditions.

He bought Vicente after Many Clouds sadly died afterwinning a big race at Cheltenham earlier this year.

Speaking to the Manx Independent earlier this week, Mr Hemmings, who has a loyal following in the island, said: ’People ask me things like: "What are your chances?" and "will it win?" I reply: "I will tell you on Sunday".’

But Mr Hemmings said Vicente is a ’lovely horse’ and he hopes he can help island punters taste success this weekend with victory over the bookies.

He said: ’It looks like we will have perfect conditions for a horse that runs well in the spring, with a great jockey and trainer.

’But I would add that people have to be wise about this as there are no guarantees with any horse in the Grand National. All my Grand National winners have come while I’ve lived in the Isle of Man and I’m very proud of that.

’It’s always something special to have a horse running in the National.’

Hedgehunter, now 21, and Ballabriggs, now 16, live in retirement at Ballaseyr stud, Andreas. They are already in the north west of England ready to take part in a parade of former champions before the race on Saturday.

Sid Cunningham, area manager for bookies Joe Jennings said it will be a busy weekend with thousands of bets laid at the firm’s five island shops in Douglas and Ramsey.

He said he expects the ’Trevor Hemmings factor’ will see many Manx punters back Vicente. His shops will open early at 8.30am Saturday and he also expects to be busy on Friday. The Jennings shops will also be offering five places to attract each way backers.