10 April 2024 , 06:30
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Caoilin Quinn is back from injury in the nick of time to make his Grand National debut on mudlover Nassalam.
The 22-year-old returns from a six-week spell on the sidelines with two rides for his boss Gary Moore at Taunton tomorrow.
Then all roads lead to Aintree, where the pair's winner of the Welsh version will appreciate every inch of rain falling in Merseyside. On heavy ground, a description expected at Liverpool's big race venue this morning, John and Yvonne Stone-owned chaser Nassalam trounced his December Chepstow opposition by 34 lengths.
Conditional rider Quinn hopes to start a winning theme this week aboard Johnny Jump Up in the opening novices' hurdle, before heading north from Somerset to partner Britain's highest-rated contender.
"It will be great to be back and blow away the cobwebs ahead of the Grand National," he said. "Nassalam is my first ride in the race so it will mean to the world if he can run well. The recent wet weather definitely helps."
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Quinn's favourite National memory is AP McCoy finally conquering it at the 15th attempt, riding Don't Push It in 2010.
It is estimated the 20-time champion broke in excess of 50 bones over the course of a record-breaking career. After a third fracture to the left side of his collarbone, Quinn had physio and regular gym workouts to reach peak condition.
"The horse didn't fall, he made a mistake and when his head came back up it struck me," said the jockey, talking about the Plumpton incident on Hector Jaguen.
"I saw the specialist on Monday and got the all clear. I'm really excited going into Saturday, Nassalam is in great form at home. If we get a clear round, I'm confident we will be there with a chance."