Rachael Blackmore returns to Liverpool today looking to repeat last year’s momentous Randox Grand National success aboard Minella Times, but the history-maker may find fellow Irish raider Longhouse Poet (Aintree, 5.15) standing in her way.
Connections of Longhouse Poet have already tasted National glory in 2006 with Numbersixvalverde, and trainer Martin Brassil believes he possesses another ideal candidate in the eight-year-old.
Brassil has carved out a reputation as an extremely astute target trainer in recent times and has also gone close with a couple of other National contenders since his day in the spotlight 16 years ago.