PADDY KENNEDY

Magic Of Light (Jessica Harrington)

I was schooling Magic Of Light over the National fences at the Curragh there last week and when I got off Jessie said she was going to ring the owners to confirm the horse for the race and ask could I ride it. Obviously I was delighted to hear I would be riding the mare, it’s every jockey’s dream to ride in the race. And it’s absolutely a great ride to get as well. Magic Of Light has been on fire this season and she has a nice weight today. It’s the National so you’d never be confident but she has her chance. It’s compulsory for all the jockeys riding in the race for the first time to walk the course with Carl Llewellyn at 10:30 so I’ll be there for that and I’ll probably walk it a few more times with Jack (Kennedy) and Puppy (Robbie Power).

ANDREW RING

Blow By Blow (Gordon Elliott)

There is hundreds of jockeys who want to ride in the Grand National so I am counting myself so lucky to be involved today. This will be my first time in Aintree. Gordon’s assistant Ian Almond gave me a ring early in the week and said they had one for me so I was obviously delighted to get that call. I’ve been trying to just not think about it during the week. You’d only end up working yourself up, so you just try and keep a normal routine. I’m travelling over with a load of guys so I’ll probably walk the track with a few.

My horse is a big chasing type and if he takes to it, he could be anything. I’ve rode him before at Gordon’s and he has loads of ability. It’s the National so he has the same sort of chance as plenty. I can’t wait for it.

LUKE DEMPSEY

Folsom Blue (Gordon Elliott)

I found out I was likely to be having my first ride in the Grand National a couple of weeks ago. Gordon told me he might have one down the bottom of the weights and I’m obviously delighted to be on Folsom Blue. He is a horse that obviously stays very well and with a bit of luck, he could run a big race. I’ve rode in the Topham before and the thing you notice about the fences is the bigger drop. It’s just great to be involved in such a race.

DANNY MULLINS

Up For Review (Willie Mullins)

I’ve ridden over the National fences before and I actually nearly won the Topham on Katnap for Joseph O’Brien two years ago. It’s great to have a go in the Grand National now. I found out I’d be riding in the race on Thursday afternoon – Willie wouldn’t be one to tell you the plans early! I’ve to ride Wexford tonight and then I’m over in the morning to walk the course with the other lads.