Spurs fan Aidan set for 'biggest race of the year'

Spurs fan Aidan Coleman chases every jockey’s dream this afternoon – to win the Grand National.

The world’s biggest horse race – worth over £500,000 to the winner – takes place at Aintree with the runners off at 4.15pm, 15 minutes into the second half of our Premier League clash against Villa at the Lane.

One of the top jockeys in the business, Aidan’s love of Spurs comes via a familiar family route - his father, Pat, led the way and Pat’s four children have all followed in his footsteps.

He admits his job makes watching his beloved Spurs difficult – he’s now racing 300 days a year – but at the same time as we’re all hoping to be cementing three points against Villa, his life could change as he takes on the famous fences at Aintree.

Aidan spoke to us exclusively from the Liverpool track after yesterday’s racing…

First of all, how are you feeling going into the Grand National?
Aidan Coleman: “It's quite exciting. It's the biggest race of the year so it's nice to be involved.”

What does this meeting and particularly the Grand National mean to jockeys and racegoers?
Aidan: “The Grand National itself is one of the biggest races in the world and it's brought to a world-wide audience, unlike any other horse race, so it's huge as it’s seen throughout the world, as well as within our own sport.”

You have picked up a good ride in The Druids Nephew – what are your chances?
Aidan: “He's supposed to be the best handicapped horse in the race so with a bit of luck in running and if he jumps around okay, hopefully there is a good chance."

What is the secret – if there is one – of getting around the Grand National?
Aidan: “I don’t know about that!”

What would it mean to win it? Is it a life-changing moment?
Aidan: “Oh definitely, definitely yes. It would mean everything. Everyone dreams of it so it would be nice to do it.”

How does everyone in the weighing room feel about AP McCoy’s final Grand National and pending retirement?
Aidan: “He's been a great ambassador for the sport and we will miss him when he's gone, but as far as the Grand National is concerned, I'm sure we'll still see him here!”

Onto Spurs, have you managed to get to the Lane recently? It must be difficult with your job!
Aidan: “Not in about 10 years! We are racing literally 300 days of the year so there's very little time for anything and if we do have time that often means we are injured or suspended, so we're not very happy anyway!”