A British trainer dreaming of Grand National glory claims most UK handlers “simply can’t compete” any more with the power of the Irish.
Tim Vaughan’s lively longshot Eva’s Oskar has sneaked into the Aintree race on April 15 at number 40.
The stayer grabbed the final place when the latest list of runners was revealed on Tuesday.
Irish-trained horses number 29 of the 40 guaranteed a run, with Eva’s Oskar part of the smallest ever British challenge.
And while thrilled to gain a spot in the Randox-backed race, worth £500,000 to the winner, Vaughan has warned of dire consequences facing stables like his.
The former trainer of Grand National specialist Saint Are has around a fifth of the 160-strong string of thoroughbreds he once had.
“It’s bloody tough for the middle-tier trainer in Britain,” he said.
“I used to be able to go to the sales, buy 25 horses for £300,000. Now you pay that for one. You need owners with deep pockets to keep buying them and they are mostly in Ireland.
“Most British trainers simply can’t compete.”
Eva’s Oskar, owned by Sally and Richard Prince, is 100-1 with William Hill for the National.
Preparations begin in earnest later this week, when the winner of a premier handicap at Cheltenham this season will school over a National-style fence.
“It’s mega that he has got in,” said Vaughan, whose Welsh yard is around half an hour’s drive from Cardiff.
“We are very excited. It has been the plan for a while and I think he has lots of attributes to suit the race.
“He ran well in the Eider last time and gets into a lovely rhythm. We hope he can outrun his price.”
Gordon Elliott still has 13 runners in the mix, led by last year’s third Delta Work.
Our Power, trained by Sam Thomas, is next in line to get a spot at 41 of 57 acceptors if a further withdrawal is made.
