Championship promotion-hopefuls Preston North End will entertain Millwall in a hugely important clash at Deepdale at 3pm on Saturday afternoon and just fifteen minutes later the Unibet Grand National Trial gets underway just a few miles down the M6 at Haydock Park. These two events have a connection in the form of Trevor Hemmings, the North End owner hopeful that one of his favourite horses – Vintage Clouds – will win the £100,000 Haydock race.
The Lilywhites owner is aiming to become the most successful owner in the lengthy history of the Grand National and he will also be wanting the club which he purchased ten years ago make it into the Premier League for the first time in their history.
Vintage Clouds fell at the first in the 2019 Grand National, however he is looking in top shape right now having beaten the likes of Geronimo and Definitly Red in the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock last month.
Trainer Sue Smith said: “Vintage Clouds is entered for the Unibet Grand National Trial at Haydock Park and that is the plan at the moment.
“Vintage Clouds has been fine since the Peter Marsh.
“It was a lovely performance and we were delighted with the manner in which he jumped – it was great to see him put it all together.
“The Grand National is now back on the agenda. We just have to decide between now and then whether he also takes in the Ultima Handicap at next month’s Cheltenham Festival.”
Trevor Hemmings has won the Grand National on three previous occasions with Many Clouds (2015), Ballabriggs (2011) and Hedgehunter (2005).
The Unibet Grand National trial takes place at 3:15 pm, Saturday 15th February at Haydock Park.