National triumph high on agenda for Lambourn trainer

If there is one race Nicky Henderson would dearly love to add to his bulging CV it is the Randox Health Grand National and the trainer will be praying for a dry spring when Triolo D'Alene bids to make it third-time lucky in the sport's most famous jumps race.

The 2013 Topham winner's two efforts in the Aintree marathon –pulled up in 2014 and 14th in April – were affected by rain.

"We've encountered exceptionally soft ground, which is something he simply cannot cope with," said Henderson, whose best National finishes came with Zongalero and The Tsarevich, who were second in 1979 and 1987.