THE eyes of the horse racing world will be set on Aintree for the world famous Randox Health Grand National this weekend.

The Liverpool course will welcome several horses trained in Mid Wales.

Nine year old Virgilio, co-owned by Dave and Teresa Futter and Chris Edwards of Yorton Stud Farm in Leighton and trained by Dan Skelton, will line-up in the main attraction.

The 66/1 shot has tasted success at Aintree in the recent past and included three wins at the course.

Co-owner Chris Edwards said: “We are really looking forward to the day. We have quite a few family and friends coming up so hopefully it will be a memorable day.

“Training has gone well and Virgilio has a good record at Aintree so we hope the conditions dry up for the race.”

Meanwhile James Potter of Welshpool will be hopeful Top Gamble will be successful in the Randox Health Topham Chase on Friday.

The Kerry Lee trained 10 year old will take on the Grand National fences for the first time.

Top Gamble ran a fine race to finish third in the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival, one place behind stablemate Gino Trail.

Both horses are bound for Merseyside but will this time be divided.

Presteigne based Lee said: “Top Gamble is going for the Topham and Gino Trail will go for the Red Rum Handicap Chase.

“Top Gamble has schooled very nicely so far. He had one day early in the year when he schooled over those Aintree-style fences and was exemplary.”