Nicky Henderson has admitted time is running out if he is to end a 44-year jinx in the Randox Grand National.
The 72-year-old Henderson has been champion jumps trainer six times and is also Britain’s most successful trainer at the Cheltenham Festival.
Yet he has a shocking record in the world’s most famous horse race with not a single victory from 42 runners - and he has been trying to win it since 1987.
Henderson’s first runner in the race, Zongalero, finished second, and he has only come as close once more when The Tsarevich was runner-up in 1987.
“It’s been a long haul and I haven’t finished yet,” he said. “But that is the one obvious race I’d love to win – doesn’t everyone? I’m sure anyone who’s won the race once, twice wants to go on and win it again because it’s very special. We’ve been knocking on the door a few times.
“I love the place. The race is very special. It’s completely different to Cheltenham. Luckily we’ve been fortunate enough to have some of the best horses around and therefore you’re a player at Cheltenham at the highest level and that’s where it really matters.
“But this race is unique. It’s a completely different game. It would be a pity not to find one someday but the clock is ticking!”
Henderson’s 2023 hopes rest on the shoulders of the novice Mister Coffey, who finished third in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham but has still to win a race over fences.
Mister Coffey finished down the field in last year’s Topham Chase at the meeting, and his trainer feels he is “perfectly capable” of making his presence felt on April 15.
He said: “He enjoyed jumping round there then. He’s in good form and ran a very good race at Cheltenham.
“He’s been placed in everything you can throw at him. He can’t win anything but that’s a bit like me in the National! He’s perfectly capable of it and it’s nice to be going in there with a horse that realistically does have a chance. It would be a surprise to all if I won it!”
