Paul Townend will ride I Am Maximus, while Mark Walsh has chosen to partner Limerick Lace. Owner JP McManus made these decisions as he finalised the riding plans for his five-strong team in Saturday's Randox Grand National.
The renowned owner has experienced two notable wins in the prestigious steeplechase. In 2010, he famously gave AP McCoy his long-awaited first victory aboard Don't Push It, followed by the historic triumph of Minella Times ridden by Rachael Blackmore three years ago.
McManus is poised to have a strong presence at Aintree this weekend, as two of his top contenders, I Am Maximus and Meetingofthewaters, are among the favourites.
Mark Walsh, the owner's retained rider in Ireland, has intriguingly chosen to ride Gavin Cromwell's Mares' Chase champion, Limerick Lace, instead of partnering with I Am Maximus, who Townend will ride.
Verifying the riding arrangements, Frank Berry, McManus' racing manager, stated: "Paul will be riding I Am Maximus, Mark will be on Limerick Lace, and Danny Mullins will be on Meetingofthewaters. Mark had never ridden on I am Maximus, so Paul will mount him. Mark faced a challenging choice as he also had an affinity for Meetingofthewaters at Cheltenham. It was a difficult choice, but he ultimately decided to go with the Limerick Lace. He's optimistic that Limerick Lace will be able to handle the distance."