Cullen Excited By Rayburn Chances

Fit-again jockey John Cullen is dreaming of Aintree glory aboard Colnel Rayburn in the John Smith's Grand National next Saturday.

Cullen has been out of action since February 23 after suffering a shoulder injury when he was brought down aboard Castle Kevin at Thurles.

The Irish rider was left sidelined for the Cheltenham Festival as a consequence but is now back to full fitness and is set to make his return to the track over hurdles at Gowran Park on Wednesday.

And after Paul Nolan declared Colnel Rayburn as an intended runner in the National, Cullen is set to come in for the ride on the 10-year-old, who was pulled up in last year's renewal ? despite travelling prominently for the most of the marathon hike.

'I'm 100% again now and have been doing everything I can so as not to get fat,' said Cullen.

'I'll be schooling Colnel Rayburn on Tuesday and should have a few rides over timber at Gowran the day after.

'Colnel is in great shape and looks a really good horse for the National. He's improving all the time and has got so much scope.

'I was obviously very disappointed about Cheltenham Festival but I'm looking forward to this a lot.'

Nolan also has Kymandjen entered in the National ? along with the Irish equivalent on April 17 ? but connections are instead leaning towards a likely tilt at the John Smith's And Spar Topham Chase on Friday.

'I think the Topham would be the right race for him because his jumping is his greatest strength and he should love the Aintree fences,' added Cullen.

? PA Sport