Preists team hoping for rain

Tom O’Leary would love to see the clouds gather over Aintree this week with every drop of rain set to aid the chances of his confirmed mudlark Preists Leap in the John Smith’s Grand National.

The nine-year-old won the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park for the second year in succession in January, a race which was won by Hedgehunter and Numbersixvalverde prior to their respective Grand National successes.