Top Trainers

We have highlighted three trainers who have been successfully associated with the race.

FERDY MURPHY

Ferdy Murphy is based at Wynbury Stables in West Witton, North Yorkshire, he has a dual-purpose but excels with his national Hunt horses. He has been a regular in the top ten trainers list and has produced five Cheltenham Festival winners. He also has had three Scottish Grand National winners in the past 8 years. Hot Weld in 2007, Joes Edge in 2005 and Paris Pike in 2000. Other major wins include, the Midland Grand National, the Kerry Grand National, the Northern National and the Irish Grand National.

His first major success was Analogs Daughter, which he coaxed to victory in the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham. He enjoyed success, with Gee-A as the youngest ever winner over the Grand National fences, in the Foxhunters' Chase at Aintree he also won the Hennessy Gold Cup with Sibton Abbey's.

PAUL NICHOLLS

Paul Nicholls is the top National Hunt trainer in the UK today. His record over the last three years or so has been astonishing and his form continues in relentless fashion. He has now recruited Ruby Walsh as his stable jockey and the two are beginning to enjoy unparalled success. Paul won the race in 1997 with Belmont King, that time with top jockey, Tony McCoy on board and will be expecting to win this one again, this time, possibly with Denman, the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner.

HOWARD JOHNSON

Howard Johnson has always been keen to context the Scottish Grand National with one his stayers and he won the race in 2004, when he had top jockey, Graham Lee on board. It was a well deserfed win for a yard who has a number of great stayers and any of Howards horses entered for this race will have to respected, especially the one stable jockey, Paddy Brennan elects to ride. Howard has formed a very strong partnership with millionaire businessman, Graeme Wylie and he now trains specifically for this owner.