Grand National News 23675y
Two Serious Chances for Wylie Grand National VictoryWednesday 2nd April 2014 6k355m

Tidal Bay
© Racehorse Photos

Leading National Hunt owners Andrea and Graham Wylie are no strangers to big success but a victory in Saturday’s £1 million Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree would be the icing on the cake for a couple who have invested so much in the sport over the last 15 years, writes Elliot Slater.

The couple have two serious chances of bagging one of the most coveted trophies in world sport, with the remarkable veteran Tidal Bay (14/1) and the talented stayer Prince de Beauchene (20/1) both amongst the favourites for this year’s renewal of “the world’s greatest steeplechase”.

There would surely be fewer more popular winners than the 13-year-old Tidal Bay who remarkably is the highest rated horse in the field and consequently will be saddled with top weight of 11st 10lbs. Trained by Paul Nicholls – who sent out Lexus Chase at Leopardstown in December 2012.

Third in the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup last time out in February, Tidal Bay is a freak and even at his advanced age might just be good enough to win under top weight.

Prince de Beauchene
© Caroline Norris

The Wylies also have a hot prospect in Prince de Beauchene, trained in Ireland by Willie Mullins, who won the Grand National in 2005 with Hedgehunter. The talented 11-year-old has been trained specifically for this race all season, and is reported in tremendous shape ahead of the big event.