Aspell on Ballycassidy in National

Leighton Aspell will ride Peter Bowen’s Ballycassidy in the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.

The 10-year-old, who finished 14th in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup and unseated his rider in the National 12 months ago, had been doubtful for the Aintree marathon this year.

But Bowen told The Sportsman: “We were only going to let him run if a good jockey became available and I am happy to have Leighton, who rode Take The Stand for me in the race last year.”

Meanwhile Timmy Murphy has been confirmed for the Martin Pipe-trained It Takes Time, leaving Richard Johnson to partner Therealbandit.

“After a lot of thought I will ride It Takes Time who ran so well in the race last year to be fourth,” said Murphy.

“I felt that the softish ground sapped his energy in the final three furlongs last year and hopefully the forecasted drying weather will be correct.

“Experience is a big plus around those fences and he certainly jumped them well enough.”