Grand National 2024 – Lucinda Russell 'excited' over Corach Rambler's bid for repeat

Trainer Lucinda Russell can't wait for Corach Rambler's bid for back-to-back victories in Saturday's Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse.

The Kinross-based handler sends the 10-year-old back to Aintree and is hoping for another 'magic day' back at a place she loves – and has had plenty of success over the years. Corach Rambler was an impressive winner 12 months ago as, under Derek Fox, he gave both trainer and jockey a second victory in the world's greatest steeplechase six years on from One For Arthur's Aintree win. Now, following a fine third in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup at last month's Cheltenham Festival, Corach Rambler is favourite – at a best-priced 7-1 with William Hill and Betfred – to become the ninth official dual winner of the Aintree showpiece and follow in the hoofprints of recent back-to-back scorers, Tiger Roll (2018-2019) and the legendary triple star Red Rum (1973-74).

Following stable-mate Ahoy Senor's fine second to Gerri Colombe in the William HIll Bowl Chase at the famous Liverpool track of the opening day of the meeting on Thursday, the Scottish-based handler is hopeful of another good run from Corach Rambler.

Full list of final 34 runners for the 2024 Grand National

Russell said: "I love coming to Aintree, we've had so many great days here and the crowd are always so appreciative, I feel a great affinity with it, it's magic. I wish I could skip forward to Sunday, but I'm really hopeful and obviously watching Ahoy Senor has boosted his form again as the winner (Gerri Colombe) was just in front of him in the Gold Cup. We didn't travel down until Thursday morning, which is different for us, but Scu (Peter Scudamore, assistant and partner) wanted to ride Corach on Thursday