North Yorkshire horse trainer Peter Beaumont is hoping to beat the odds in tomorrow's Grand National.

GOOD GOING: Trainer Peter Beaumont checks over Grand National hopefuls Niki Dee, left, and Young Kenny at his gallops at Brandsby, near Easingwold

Picture: Frank Dwyer

Peter, of Foulrice Farm, Brandsby, near Easingwold, has entered two horses - Young Kenny and Niki Dee - in the world-famous race.

Nine-year-old Young Kenny, who is 17 hands high, was born in the stables in Brandsby, while ten-year-old Niki Dee has been trained by Peter since the age of four.

Peter, who has been training horses for 14 years, said he hopes his pair will come up trumps.

"I hope they will both do well. With as many runners as there are in the Grand National it is difficult to say what could happen. It's always an open race."

He could have entered the horses in the Grand National last year, but he felt they didn't have enough experience.

"They have raced a lot in the last year, so I know they are ready this time."

Asked if he will be having a bet, he said: "I've enough to do just looking after the horses - I definitely won't be betting on Saturday."

Local bookmakers today said the ground conditions were going against Young Kenny.

Robert Plant, of Ted Plant Bookmakers, Haleys Terrace, York, said today's odds were Young Kenny, 11-1 and Niki Dee, 33-1.

He said: "The ground won't suit Young Kenny but if they're leaving it in they must think it's got a chance. It has been reported that they're going to water the ground so it will be on the good side.

York bookmaker Baz Oxtoby, of Clifton, said: "The ground has been drying up during the week so it could go against Young Kenny but I think he'll take his chance.

"Niki Dee is a nice local horse and I'd like to think he could win it, but it's quite an open race this year."

see also 'Red hot chance of glory'

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