Sean Bowen blog: Reaction to Grand National ride

With Grand National betting all the rage right now, Sean Bowen shares his latest blog with Coral. The leading jockey previews his ride, Three Card Brag, a 20-1 shot currently and an exciting hope.

The Grand National is a race I’ve dreamed of winning since I was a young boy, it’s the one race everyone has heard of, and if you win it, that can never be taken away from you. I finished fourth on Noble Yeats two years ago, that’s my best finish, but every ride I’ve had in the race has been exciting, changes have been made to it we know, but it’s still very special for a jockey to ride in it. 

 I’ve enjoyed plenty of luck riding for Gordon [Elliott, trainer] and Max McNeill [owner], so I think a conversation took place between Gordon and Max, and both were keen for me to ride Three Card Brag, which I was very grateful for. I’ve not ridden him before but he’s been trained for the race, and there is no better man than Gordon to aim a horse at the National, his record in the race speaks for itself.

He will get in the race off a lovely looking weight, he seems to jump well, and he stays well, so he should go into the race with a chance. It’s the National though, so I can’t be taking anything for granted, but it’s a really exciting ride to have. Apart from Noble Yeats, I’ve had a few good spins in the race without coming close to winning, but the boyhood dream hasn’t changed, it’s still the race I want to win.

 As far as the title is concerned, I’m obviously in a very good position, and it will be hard for Harry [Skelton] to catch me, but I’m not counting any chickens, there are still three weeks to go, and if I can get a few more winners before Sandown, things will be looking good. And it goes without saying, a National win would crown it all.

Whether you're looking for insights into the race's favourites, or even a look at some of the wackiest names competing this year, Coral has you covered with heaps of content between now and Saturday's Grand National.

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.