Bookies are tipping a Bingley trained racehorse for glory in Saturday's Grand National.

They reckon punters who fancy a flutter could do worse than to put their bets on The Last Fling, trained by Sue Smith, wife of showjumper Harvey.

The ten-year-old is owned by top National Hunt race-owner, Lancashire millionaire Trevor Hemmings. It is a 14-1 shot and fifth favourite according to bookies Ladbrokes.

Sue, enjoying a successful season which has taken her to 12th in the trainers' table, trains him with 24 other horses at stables in High Eldwick.

She said: "I'm having a very good season with 38 winners and am still in the top 15 trainers. A bit of luck and if we can steer clear of everything he will run a very good race.

"The Grand National is quite a lottery, it's not a normal race. Over three-and-a-half to four miles we have to contend with 39 others getting in the way.

"But if we can get him over those first few fences and into a nice rhythm and do the job properly I will be pleased.

"He is a lovely character, an extremely kind horse, very active and always very willing to do what you want and tries his best for you."

Ladbrokes' spokesman Ed Nicholson said: "The Last Fling is fifth favourite. His name has certainly captured the public imagination - many people are backing him just because of that.

"He put up a particularly good effort two runs ago at Haydock and was fancied to run well in the Cheltenham Gold Cup but disappointed slightly there.

"There's every indication that he will do well. The extra distance, one-and-a-quarter miles, will suit the horse who is improving fast and is a popular horse.

"He's beaten a number of horses running in Saturday's race including Young Kenny and Niki Dee."

Wyke farmer Jim Shaw, whose horse, Nahthen Lad, has run in two recent Grand Nationals, said of The Last Fling: "He is a Grand National horse; it could happen, couldn't it? The National is the National and it is how they are on the day. I would think he is a contender. I have watched him once or twice and if the ground is soft enough he should be OK. He was at the Cheltenham Gold Cup and it was too firm for him. He prefers it a bit softer."

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