It could be V for Victory this weekend as island racehorse owner Trevor Hemmings has a strong hand with dual winner Vicente and Vintage Clouds in the Coral Scottish Grand National.

Trainer Sue Smith’s Vintage Clouds agonisingly missed out at Aintree’s Grand National last weekend when, as the next reserve on the list, there were two non-runners - but after the 1pm cut-off point on Friday. Vicente was pulled out of the Liverpool race because the ground was unsuitable.

Vicente will bid to become the first horse since Couvrefeu II in 1913 to win Scotland’s biggest jumps race three years in a row.

As the Courier went to press last night (Thursday)both Vintage Clouds and Vicente were at the head of the market. The two horses have been vying for favouritism in the bookies’ market most of the week. Vicente is trained by leading UK trainer Paul Nicholls. There will be punters in the island who look for a Manx angle and will be hoping for a Hemmings success in the race which will be shown live tomorrow (Saturday) at 4.05pm on ITV.

Michael Meagher, Mr Hemmings’ racing manager, said: ’If you can’t go to Aintree, this is the next best thing. It’s a very tough race, though, and there’s always some others that are a few pounds well in, but we have two very good chances. Talking about Vin-tage Clouds not running at Aintree last week he said: ’It was frustrating. When you’re fourth reserve you don’t expect a run. But when three get in, you are next in line and two more come out and you still don’t get a run, it’s hard to take.

’At least he can run this weekend. Sue [Smith] says he’s in great form and he’s run well all season so you’d hope he’d have a chance.

’The forecast is for it to dry up, and that would suit Vicente. Vintage Clouds will go on anything, he has a reputation as a mud-lover but he goes on decent ground too.

’Vicente hasn’t had his ground all year, but Paul (Nicholls) had to run him somewhere. He’s 4lb higher than last year but he’s run well off his new mark before the ground has found him out a few times.

’He looks well and we just hope for a bit of luck in running again.

’Of course he was declared for Aintree, but when it rained Thursday night into Friday that put paid to it. On good to soft we would have run him.’

The Scottish National at Ayr will see a maximum possible field of 30.

Businessman Mr Hemmings is a popular figure on racecourses in his trademark flat cap.

He has previously told Isleof Man Newspapers of how he is delighted for Manx punters who back his winning horses.

He had just one runner in week’s Aintree National.

Warriors Tale, trained by Paul Nicholls, pulled up after running fairly prominently.

Mr Hemmings has won the Aintree race an incredible three times with Hedgehunter, Ballabriggs and Many Clouds.

Trevor Hemmings has two strong chances in the Scottish National