THE Grand National, the last big race of the National Hunt season, will be taking place at Aintree on Saturday where the off is at 5.15pm.

Over the years the Grand National has captured the imagination of the whole of the nation, and not just the racing fraternity and even those who don’t normally bet will make a little wager before the 40 horses line up to jump 30 of the toughest obstacles in the jumps world.

Local trainer David Pipe won the race 10 years ago when Comply or Die, ridden by Timmy Murphy triumphed, a feat he would love to repeat in 2018.

This year the Nicholashayne handler will be represented by Vieux Lion Rouge who will be making his third trip in the National. Back in 2016 the sixth year old was seventh, last year he went off as one of the favourites at 12-1 and ended sixth, so hopefully it will be third time lucky for the Pipe horse.

One thing is certain Vieux Lion Rouge will cope with the ground and at the 33-1 that is being offered is certainly one to go for each way.

Before that Taunton looks like having another bumper afternoon at their Ladies Day meeting on Wednesday where the early entires suggest that one of the races may divide to make it an eight race card, but this wont be announced until after 11am this morning.

The curtain comes down on the season at Orchard Portman on Wednesday, April 25, when they host their ever popular Evening Meeting where the first of the action is due off at 5.20pm.