AINTREE SELECTIONS - GRAND NATIONAL DAY

1:45 - John Smith's Mersey Novices' Hurdle
Up and Go

2:15 - John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase
Overturn

2:50 - John Smith's Liverpool Hurdle
Holywell
Celestial Halo (ew)

3:25 - John Smith's Handicap Chase
Opening Batsman

4:15 - John Smith's Grand National Chase
SEABASS
Cappa Bleu
Teaforthree
Balthazar King

5:10 - John Smith's Handicap Hurdle
Shotavodka

5:45 - John Smith's Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race 
Dakar Run
Purple Bay (ew)

KATIE WALSH CAN RIDE SEABASS TO VICTORY IN GRAND NATIONAL

'WILL a female jockey win the Grand National?' is the question that has been hitting the headlines this week, and I think it could happen.

Katie Walsh, sister of champion jockey Ruby Walsh, is the only woman riding in the race and she will be partnering Seabass again, who finished third last year.

Seabass almost galloped to victory last year, but couldn't quite keep up with Sunnyhillboy and eventual winner, Neptune Collonges.

But I believe Katie has come back stronger this year and will charge past the post in prime position.

My money is on her.

I remember watching the 2012 Grand National. I was at my parents' house and we had a family friend over. 

He decided to watch the race with us, and when Katie was shown on our television screen, he said: "She won't win. She's a woman."

No one really knew how to answer him. But I did. I replied that being a woman makes no difference to winning or losing, and I believed Katie would produce a world-class performance, as she always does.

And she did. Third position is great - a fantastic achievement, the best position by any female jockey in the race.

But Katie can finish in a better position this year. She can win and everybody knows it.

At the moment, Seabass is around 10/1 to win, and Katie's brother, Ruby, is currently favourite with On His Own at 7/1.

A jockey needs a lot of luck in the Grand National, but with focus and determination, I am positive Katie will do the girls - and racing - proud.