Brian Hughes snapped up for Scottish Grand National mount on Innisfree Lad

The plans of connections have began to firm up ahead of the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr, and in a season where he has carried all before him, Brian Hughes will bid to win his first aboard Innisfree Lad.

The gelding is as big as 33/1 in places but that would underestimate his chances severely as he finished third in the Eider Chase behind Win My Wings, and that mare is barely a third of those odds with the bookies.

Hughes should know the horse well as he has partnered him on six starts – notably finishing third in the Borders National at Kelso - on ground that was significantly softer than he will experience on Saturday.

Trainer David Dennis told Sky Sports : “I spoke to his agent and said we'd be mad keen for him to ride if he was available. Thankfully, he rang at the five-day stage and said Brian was available so he can ride him.

“The weights went up 10lb at the five-day stage so he's got 10st 11lb now which brings him into the handicap nicely. His third in the Eider puts him hopefully bang in there with a good each-way chance.

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“It was a bit annoying in Kelso's Borders National. It rained heavily the night before, but he still ran an absolute cracker in that. It was just too soft for him