Highclere have Grand National in sights after Crievehill gets Aintree entry

The familiar pale blue silks of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing have been carried to King George glory on the Flat and they could be seen in jump racing's biggest event for the first time after Crievehill received an entry in the Grand National.

The eight-year-old, who is rated 154 and likely to make the National line-up, sports the same colours as Harbinger, an outstanding winner of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2010.

Bookmakers rate Crievehill a 66-1 chance for the Randox-sponsored marathon at Aintree on April 4 and he was last seen finishing a well-beaten ninth in a Listed chase at Ascot before Christmas.

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Connections, however, are taking heart from the fact the gelding is trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, who readied Earth Summit to win at Aintree in 1998 before striking with Bindaree four years later.

Twiston-Davies saddled Crievehill – sixth over the National fences in the 2018 Grand Sefton – to convincing wins at Wetherby and Haydock before that Ascot outing.

Highclere racing manager Frances Howard said: "We're all thrilled Crievehill has been entered for the National and it's been a lifelong dream of several of his owners to have a runner in the race.

"He's got the right profile for the race and relished the challenge of the Grand National fences when he ran well in the Grand Sefton last season. There's no better trainer than Nigel for the National and if he feels that Crievehill is right for the race, then we're not going to argue!"

The National entries will be released on Wednesday and are set to be headed by the popular Tiger Roll, who has won the last runnings. He is 6-1 with Betfair and Paddy Power to emulate the legendary Red Rum, who recorded three National victories in the 1970s.

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