Grand National 2022: Jonjo O'Neill dreaming of more Aintree magic

Trainer Jonjo O’Neill is eyeing another “magical” day at Aintree Racecourse after providing three of the 107 entries for the 2022 Randox Grand National.

The initial entries for the world's greatest steeplecase at Aintree on April 9 were revealed today and the Jackdaws Castle trainer had , and among them as he looks for a second success in the race.

O'Neill famously won the Grand National with Don't Push It in 2010, giving himself, 20-times champion jockey Sir AP McCoy and owner JP McManus a memorable first victory in the showpiece.

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A former champion jockey himself, O'Neill never managed to even complete in the National. But he finally triumphed with Don't Push It's win. And he has seen several horses go close to victory, including Sunnyhillboy – who was beaten by the shortest-ever margin, a nose, by Neptune Collonges 10 years ago – since.

Memories of that victory are pushing O'Neill to try and taste success again.

He said: “Winning the Grand National with Don’t Push It was magical. It was a brilliant day. It would be great to win it again and keep the show on the road.

“We’ve just three entries in the race this year in Cloth Cap, Easysland and Time To Get Up. There is a long way to go before they all get there though.”

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was sent of favourite for last year’s Grand National following superb wins in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury and the bet365 Premier Chase at Kelso. But the gelded son of Beneficial was pulled up before the third last fence by jockey and Everton FC fan Tom Scudamore.

He has disappointed in three starts so far this season but O’Neill remains believes the 10-year-old can return to the form