Reveley is excited to see Grand National contender Roi Mage

On Saturday, James Reveley will ride a horse he helped find in the Randox Grand National with Roi Mage. Reveley has rode several victories for Patrick Gryphon and his son and helper James, who coach the 12-year-old in Ireland.

They won the 2016 Listed Betfred Handicap Chase with Maggio before Mouse Morris and David Mullins won the Grand National with Rule The World. Reveley wore the blue and yellow silks Auroras Encore wore when he won the Aintreeshowpiece in 2013 for Sue Smith and Ryan Mania, reflecting a group of owners that enjoyed the big event.

They did it last year with Roi Mage, partnered by Felix de Giles from France, who finished a respectable eighth following his first time over the distinctive National obstacles at Aintree. After a summer layoff, he and Reveley won the Listed Grand Steeple-Chase-Cross-Country de Compiegne by three lengths on hard ground over three miles and three furlongs.

Recently, he finished second in the Bluegrass Stamm 30 Chase at Down Royal behind National contender Adamantly Chosen. That marathon prepared him for his Liverpool quest, and Reveley is excited to reunite with him on a challenging journey.

“He’s a horse I’ve ridden a few times and know well; I found him for the Gryphons in France. My link to them comes from riding Maggio in the same colours to win at Aintree in the event before the National a long time ago. They asked me if France had any National-type horses, and I suggested this horse, which has done well for them."