Isle of Man businessman Trevor Hemmings has bought Vicente, a contender for the 2017 Grand National.

Mr Hemmings, who has a long-standing association with Aintree, has won the race with three horses: Hedgehunter (2005), Ballabriggs (2011) and Many Clouds (2015).

Many Clouds tragically died earlier this season after winning a big race at Cheltenham.

Mr Hemmings has now moved to purchase Vicente who won the Scottish Grand National for leading UK trainer Paul Nicholls last season.

Mr Nicholls told Betfair: ’He (Hemmings) has been an owner of mine for a while and having sadly lost his National winner Many Clouds in January he was looking for a suitable horse for the race.

’Vicente was for sale, a deal was done and he will now go straight to the National.

’I’ve trained a number of winners for Trevor, who is an an enthusiastic owner, loves the race and enjoys having a runner in it every year.

’He liked the profile of Vicente, who won the Scottish Grand National last season, and is at his best in the spring."

Vicente is currently around 25/1 for the 2017 Randox Health Grand National.

Ballabriggs and Hedgehunter live in happy retirement in the north of the island.

Manx punters often latch on to horses owned by Mr Hemmings.

A TV audience of millions will tune in to watch the drama of the 2017 Grand National unfold on Saturday, April 8 at 5.15pm.

This year for the first time it will be shown on ITV who won the contract to screen horse racing from Channel 4.