Viking set for Grand National raid

Paul Nicholls has confirmed the Alex Ferguson-owned Harry The Viking will be handed an entry in the John Smith’s Grand National.

The eight-year-old was second to Teaforthree in the four-miler at the Cheltenham Festival last March and was last seen finishing ninth in the Hennessy behind Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth.

The Manchester United manager owns Harry The Viking with three others, including Ged Mason, with whom he enjoyed great success with What A Friend.