Paddy Brennan targeting Scottish Grand National repeat after first triumph over 'Manchester United of jockeys'

Paddy Brennan feels lucky to have battled against the Manchester United of jockeys when he last snared the Scottish Grand National. Fourteen years on from that memorable day, his fires burn just as brightly.

And Brennan could not be aboard a more-aptly named victor if he guides home Manothepeople in tomorrow’s Ayr showpiece. Now 41-years of age, the Irishman came through the riding ranks during a golden era. When he brilliantly got Hello Bud home in 2009, he beat Tony McCoy on Gone to Lunch into second spot. Brennan was also competing against Ruby Walsh, Barry Geraghty, Richard Johnson, et al.

Icons of the sport. In his eyes, like racing’s version of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1999 Champions League winners at Old Trafford. While they and others have retired, he remains determined to keep winning on the biggest stages. It’s what drives him, as opposed to a fear of being finished. Brennan explained: “I feel so lucky that I rode with Walsh, Geraghty, McCoy, Johnson, Paul Carberry. You name them.

“They were the Manchester United team that won the 1999 Champions League. They were the Roy Keanes, the Paul Scholes, the Ryan Giggs.

“The very, very best and so hard to replace. It makes it so special to have been able to compete with them. I am going to be sad when my last day comes and, obviously, it is getting closer every day.

“But I don’t look at boys who aren’t riding anymore and think that’s why I want to keep riding. I have a different context. I look at it as feeling so lucky they were riding at the same time I was.

“I think of jockeys who have had to retire at a young age and I feel lucky I have been able to do something I absolutely love for so many years. I keep coming back to the same word. Lucky. I do work hard and sometimes