Leading north of England jockey Brian Hughes is set to partner the Trevor Hemmings owned horse Vicente in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree a week tomorrow (April 8) it has emerged.

The Paul Nicholls-trained eight-year-old won the Scottish National at Ayr last spring.

He was recently bought by leading owner Trevor Hemmings, who has won the Grand National three times before with Hedgehunter (2005), Ballabriggs (2011) and Many Clouds (2015).

The owner’s racing manager, Mick Meagher, said:’Brian (Hughes) schooled the horse, they jumped well and the plan is for him to ride in the Grand National.

’On his Scottish National form he would have a very good chance.

’He prefers better ground, but they’re talking about a dry week next week. All’s well at the moment.’

The booking of Brian Hughes is significant - he is riding high in the jump jockeys’ championship race behind Richard Johnson. He is viewed by many as the north of England’s best jockey at the moment.

Trevor Hemmings,who is based in the north of the Isle of Man, has made no secret of his love for Aintree and the Grand National in interviews with Isle of Man Newspapers.

Ballabriggs and Hedgehunter live happily in retirement in the island with Mr Hemmings who is also owner of Preston North End.

Tragically Many Clouds died shortly after winning a big race at Cheltenham earlier this year.

Once a year punters in the Isle of Man have traditionally backed Mr Hemmings’ horses in the Grand National. A betting shop in Ramsey ran out of cash after locals wagered money on Many Clouds. Everyone did eventually get their winnings.