De Bromhead hopes Blackmore and Minella Times overcome weighty National issue

Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore may have had, in the former's words, "plenty of tough moments" this season, but also some magical ones and Saturday may bring another if Minella Times wins a second straight Grand National at Aintree.

De Bromhead, who also saddles outsider Poker Party, acknowledged that Blackmore and Minella Times have a huge challenge ahead of them in the world's greatest steeplechase.

He has been allocated 11 stone 10 pounds (74.39 kilogrammes) due to his victory last year. No winner has carried as much weight since the legendary Red Rum had 12 stone in the second of his three victories in 1974.

The de Bromhead duo are two of 20 Irish runners - seven of them from the out-of-form Gordon Elliott stable -- in the 40-strong field who will face the daunting 30 fences.

One of Elliott's runners, Delta Work, shares favouritism with English runner Snow Leopardess who runs in the colours of Andrew Fox-Pitt, brother of three-day eventing great William.

She has won over the Aintree fences this season and would be the first mare to win the race since Nickel Coin prevailed in 1951.

Minella Times' historic victory last year, when Blackmore became the first woman jockey to ride the winner, still makes him the one to beat.

Although his form has been poor this season, de Bromhead thinks he has resolved any outstanding issues.

The 49-year-old Irishman is concerned by the weight rise but believes the course plays to Minella Times' strengths.

"I think they (the handicappers) have been pretty tough and I hope they are right about that," he told AFP by phone from his home in Ireland.

"He has been a bit disappointing this season but we have got him back to where we wanted him to be.

"We have tweaked a few things. Horses for