Top Borders trainers hope odds will be in their favour at Aintree

Sandy Thomson, of Greenlaw, near Kelso, will be there with 10-year-old Seeyouatmidnight, while Stuart Coltherd, of Selkirk, is taking Captain Redbeard to Aintree.

Last year, of course, the Borders revelled in a marvellous victory as One For Arthur, owned by local ladies Deborah Thomson and Belinda McClung, surged home to victory.

There’s a belief that either of the Borders horses might just deliver a second straight victory for Scotland this weekend.

But Sandy and Stuart do not regard that as extra pressure – they are each delighted to be involved, and both are taking part for the first time.

Both have also been impressed with their horses’ form in recent outings.

Stuart said: “It’s a great thrill just to have a horse good enough to be competing in the biggest race in the world.

“It’s a privilege on its own. It’s what every trainer really, tries to do.

Sandy added: “It’s tremdounds to be part of such an event – that’s why you get into horses. You hope one day it might happen, although you hardly imagine it ever will happen.

“But, for a couple of years now, we’ve hoped that, at some time in his (Midnight’s) career, he would run in a National, and we are just about there.”

Seeyouatmidnight, recovered from injury and sold this week to new owners, will be ridden by Brian Hughes, while nine-year-old Captain Redbeard will have Stuart’s son Sam (19) in the saddle.

Lucinda Russell, who trained the now injury-sidelined One For Arthur, has reportedly admitted to a flutter on Captain Redbeard and agreed another ‘tartan triumph’ would be wonderful.

Of the hype surrounding possible back-to-back Scottish wins, Stuart said: “Without doubt, it would be great for Scottish racing, and Scotland as a whole, just to have another winner. Lucinda has been a great supporter, right from day one.”

Sandy added: “We are on a very much smaller scale but Lucinda showed you can do it and take on the big boys who are paying six-figure sums for horses.”

Both men added that confidence wasn’t an easy feeling.

“You’re never confident because its a bit of a lottery, said Sandy. “There are 40 horses, 30 fences and four miles, and a lot can happen. But I am happy that the horse is going and in good form and happy with how his preparation has gone.

Stuart said: “It’s a big day for Sam – he is riding a horse he knows very well. He has jumped over the big fences before. It’s hard to be confident, but I would like to think the horse is in good form. With a good, clear round and a bit of luck, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be there competing at the finish.”

There is other Borders interest too, with The Last Samuri, 2016’s runner-up, and Beeves, also set to take part.

Both are owned by Paul and Clare Rooney, of Newton St Boswells.