Any Second Now heading for the Aintree Grand National after winning the @thetotecom Bobbyjo Chase under Mark Walsh @Fairyhouse for Ted Walsh pic.twitter.com/Nmy8QzvRhc https://t.co/00VnhFoeqw via @RacingBetter

— RacingBetter (@RacingBetter) February 28, 2022

The 11-year-old Any Second Now has finished third and second in the last two renewals of the world’s most famous steeplechase and will bid to make it third time lucky under the welter burden of 11st 12lb next month, after the weights were officially unveiled at an annual event in Liverpool on February 21.

Trainer Ted Walsh memorably teamed up with his son Ruby to claim Grand National glory with Papillon in 2000, but feels Any Second Now would need to be an “exceptional horse” to add his name to the roll of honour.

“All I can say is that I know he’s not Red Rum, I know he’s not a Crisp and he’s not a L’Escargot, so make your own mind up,” said the trainer.

“I’m absolutely shocked that he has top-weight. He goes there in as good form as he did last year. He is in as good nick as he was last year, but he’s got top-weight so make your own mind up.

“I think he’d have to be an exceptional horse to win it with top-weight.”

Reflecting on his previous National triumph, he added: “Winning with Papillon was great. Winning the National is an outstanding moment, but to have your son on board makes it all the sweeter.”