The extraordinary tale of Hewick is a public relations masterclass - and he could bring the magic needed in the Grand National

Like anyone with a vested interest in jump racing, I have been thinking a lot about next week’s Grand National. 

Rather selfishly for a writer, my main consideration has been the narrative potential of this year's race.

Of course there is a tale to be had with the current market leader Intense Raffles, as trainer Tom Gibney aims to have the mother of all maiden wins for the year in the £1 million event. Kandoo Kid could open up the trainers' title race, while a win for Iroko would change the trajectory of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero's lives with their first ever National runner.