Bowen feels Brag ticks a lot of boxes

Title chasing jockey Sean Bowen has said the Grand National is a race he has wanted to win since he was a boy, and that his mount in this year’s Aintree showpiece, Three Card Brag, ticks lots of boxes.

Gordon Elliott has booked Bowen for the eight-year-old, currently a 20-1 chance with Coral.

Speaking to the bookmaker, Bowen, says his boyhood dream remains as strong as ever, and he’s grateful to the horse’s connections for entrusting him with the ride.

Coral ambassador Bowen said:- The Grand National is a race I’ve dreamed of winning since I was a young boy, it’s the one race everyone has heard of, and if you win it, that can never be taken away from you.

"I finished fourth on Noble Yeats two years ago, that’s my best finish, but every ride I’ve had in the race has been exciting, changes have been made to it we know, but it’s still very special for a jockey to ride in it.

"I’ve enjoyed plenty of luck riding for Gordon [Elliott, trainer] and Max McNeill [owner], so I think a conversation took place between Gordon and Max, and both were keen for me to ride Three Card Brag, which I was very grateful for.

"I’ve not ridden him before but he’s been trained for the race, and there is no better man than Gordon to aim a horse at the National, his record in the race speaks for itself.

"He will get in the race off a lovely looking weight, he seems to jump well, and he stays well, so he should go into the race with a chance. It’s the National though, so I can’t be taking anything for granted, but it’s a really exciting ride to have.

"Apart from Noble Yeats, I’ve had a few good spins in the race without coming close to winning, but the boyhood dream hasn’t changed, it’s still the race I want to win.

"As far as the title is concerned, I’m obviously in a very good position, and it will be hard for Harry [Skelton] to catch me, but I’m not counting any chickens, there are still three weeks to go, and if I can get a few more winners before Sandown, things will be looking good. And it goes without saying, a National win would crown it all.”

**Randox Grand National — latest Coral betting