Brian Hughes

The 2014 Crabbies Grand National will be the fourth attempt for jockey Brian Hughes when he rides out on the Sue Smith trained Vintage Star.

His first National was back in 2010 when he pulled-up on Beat The Boys. He subsequently partnered one of this year’s race favourite, Tidal Bay when he ran in 2011 but got unseated at the 10th before coming back the following year to partner Viking Blond for Nigel Twiston-Davies before falling at the first.

He didn’t get a ride last year but has been given the green light for 2014 on Vintage Star, one of two entries from Grand National winning trainer Sue Smith.

Hughes will wear the same colours in the National as he sported when winning the Fred Winter Hurdle in the 2014 Cheltenham Festival on Hawk High as both horses are owned by Trevor Hemmings.

Despite his lack of Grand national success Hughes has solid experience at Aintree having won the 2009 Topham Chase on Always Waining and the Grand Sefton Chase the following year on Frankie Figg.

Speaking to the Racing Post he said: “Apart from the National itself, I’ve had some good spins around the course and apart from riding a couple of winners over the fences I’ve been placed a few times as well.

“I am delighted to have picked up a ride like Vintage Star for a good owner like Mr Hemmings, who has won the race twice before, and a trainer like Sue Smith, who won last year’s National.

“He’s a decent horse and I am sure he’ll give me a good ride. I’m really looking forward to it and I’ll get a sit on him next week.”