Hemmings swoops to purchase Nicholls Aintree hope Vicente

Owner Trevor Hemmings has bolstered his chances of winning a fourth Randox Health Grand National by purchasing Scottish Grand National winner Vicente.

The eight-year-old was successful at Ayr last spring for Ian Fogg and John Hales, defeating Alvarado by two and three-quarter lengths.

Earlier in his career Vicente was beaten only a length and three-quarters by fellow Grand National hopeful Blaklion in the 2014 Persian War Novices' Hurdle at Chepstow.

Having suddenly lost his 2015 Aintree hero Many Clouds earlier in the year, Hemmings was looking to add to his string and his racing manager Michael Meagher said on Saturday that Vicente was seen as an attractive proposition.

Trained by Paul Nicholls, Vicente – a best-priced 33-1 for the National – sits 43rd in the weights, meaning he is almost certain to get the chance to follow Hedgehunter, Ballabriggs and Many Clouds into the record books for his new owner.

"He's very likely to get in the Grand National and as an eight-year-old Scottish National winner he'll obviously stay," said Meagher.

"The boss loves the Grand National. It was very unfortunate what happened with our good horse earlier in the year, so he was delighted to be able to buy Vicente."

Vicente will remain with Nicholls, who confirmed he will head straight to Aintree.

"He's only eight and he's a very nice horse, so it has worked out well for everybody," said the champion trainer.

"I've trained for Trevor for a number of years. He obviously lost Many Clouds, loves supporting the National and it just so happened Vicente was for sale, so we put everyone together and that was that."

Hemmings and a Grand love affair

Trevor Hemmings is the joint-most successful owner in the Grand National. While most would dream simply of having one runner in the great race, he has seen three horses carry his famous yellow and green to glory..

The first was Hedgehunter, the 7-1 favourite in 2005, who was steered to victory by Ruby Walsh for trainer Willie Mullins. The Paul Nicholls-trained Royal Auclair was a distant second.

Then it was Ballabriggs, whose win in 2011 was steeped in Aintree sentiment given his trainer was none other than Ginger McCain's son Donald.

Finally in 2015 it was Many Clouds, who was to return a year later to finish midfield but sadly would not get a third bite at the cherry.

Other owners with three Nationals wins

James Machell
Disturbance 1873, Reugny 1874, Regal 1876

Sir Charles Assheton-Smith, previously Charles Duff
Cloister 1893, Jerry M 1912, Covertcoat 1913

Noel Le Mare
Red Rum 1973, 1974 and 1977

Grand National runners