Gordon Elliott bids for back-to-back American Grand National wins with Jury Duty

9.20 Far HillsGrand National Hurdle Stakes (Grade 1) | 2m5f | 4yo+ | SKY

For Gordon Elliott, a large part of this national hunt season will boil down to getting Tiger Roll back to Aintree for the Grand National in April, where the nine-year-old will bid to equal Red Rum's record of three triumphs in the great race.

However, Elliott has another Grand National title to defend in the meantime as Jury Duty, successful in the American equivalent 12 months ago, is joined by stablemate The Storyteller in his follow-up bid at Far Hills in New Jersey.

The pair were last seen finishing unplaced in the Grade 2 PWC Champion Chase at Gowran Park two weeks ago but Elliott reports the pair to be in top shape ahead of their tilt at the valuable prize.

He said: "We're looking forward to it. We were happy with them coming over and they've settled in well. Their run at Gowran Park will have left them spot on for this.

"Jury Duty has been a brilliant money-spinner for us and won this race last year. If he was to run well in it again, he's nearly paid for himself for the year because there’s good prize-money on offer."

He added: "The Storyteller is in better form than what he showed at Gowran. He just slipped coming down to the first fence and never managed to get back into the race after that."

Wicklow Brave (left) will run in the American Grand National for Willie MullinsCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

There are some familiar faces among the 12-runner field, none more so than Wicklow Brave, who represents Elliott's great rival Willie Mullins.

"Wicklow Brave travelled over to America well and I think he'll handle this sort of test. He could lack a bit of experience against these horses but his ability will make him competitive.”

The Nicky Henderson-trained Brain Power also features in the line-up for the 2m5f showpiece.

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