Derg native to ride in the Grand National

CASTLEDERG jockey Simon Torrens is set fulfil a lifelong ambition by riding in this year’s Grand National.

On Saturday the Derg native, barring any last minute hiccups, will ride the 40-1 shot ‘Some Neck’ in horseracing’s greatest steeplechase at the world famous Aintree Racecourse.

Trained by Irish trainer John McConnell and owned by the Some Neck Partnership, Torrens’s mount has an outside chance and the north Tyrone rider is hoping to bring the 10-year-old home in what would be a fairytale victory.

“Everyone knows the National is a bit of a lottery, look at the winner of the Irish National, he was 150-1! It’s the luck of the draw kind of thing and I suppose I’m hoping for the best,” said the unassuming Derg man.

“The Grand National is the biggest jump race in the world and if you get a ride in it it’s really something.

“I wasn’t really expecting it but my agent text me one morning to say that I had a ride in the National. It’ll be an experience that’s for sure, if nothing else.

“It will be great to take part in a big race like that with so much history behind it. Over the years there have been many upsets, it’s the luck of the draw, big fences, plenty of fallers, you couldn’t rule any horse out. Everyone probably has an equal chance going out.”

FULL STORY IN TODAY’S ULSTER HERALD