Snow Leopardess leads field for 2022 Grand National

The Grand National always throws up a story. This year, public sentiment has seen the odds of Snow Leopardess tumble.

It could be that her form stacks up. The Becher Chase winner has been in excellent order, having won her last three.

It could be that she is a grey, who bids to emulate Neptune Collonges (2012) Nicolaus Silver (1961) and The Lamb (1868 and 1871) as the only greys to have tasted victory in the Aintree marathon.

Yet arguably it is her fascinating backstory that appears to have caught the imagination.

Instances of mares returning to racing having given birth are extremely rare, but for them to reach the heights of challenging for Grand National favouritism is fantastical.

Her trainer, Charlie Longsdon, has run the full gamut of emotion on a journey that could ultimately end at a thrilling final destination.

He has no concerns about her ability to finish off her race, despite looking leg-weary in winning the Becher Chase over the National fences in December. His only doubt is her ability to handle the start.

He said: “I’ve got no issues with her stamina whatsoever. Yes, it looked like she was tying up in the Becher Chase, but that is because she had been in front for two and a half miles into a driving headwind and driving rain.

We’ve been on a massive roller-coaster with her the whole way through. When she got her leg injuries and went to be put in foal by Sir Percy, I honestly thought her racing career was over

“The jockey (Aidan Coleman) said at the time, ‘I would have been gutted if we had got beaten as I had plenty left in the tank but she just got lonely’, so I’ve got no problems with the trip at all. She will relish the trip.

“My only worry is the speed at the start and is she quick enough to get into