Dunwoody: It's got to be Gunner

Richard Dunwoody may have put his riding days firmly behind him, but his record in the Grand National remains printed on his mind.

"I rode in the race every year from 1985 to 1999 and finished in the first four eight times," he said. "West Tip and Miinnnehoma won it for me in 1986 and 1994, and I also finished fourth twice, third on three occasions and second once."

It's a record which tells you all you need to know about Dunwoody's ability to guide half a ton of horseflesh around the most punishing course in racing.

So who better to ask for a tip for the world's most famous steeplechase?

Dunwoody feels that the well-backed Irish raider Hedgehunter could prove vulnerable and is looking to one of last year's supporting players to take centre stage this time.

"Gunner Welburn eachway looks as good a bet as any," he said.

"I went to see his regular rider Barry Fenton in hospital the other day and he feels the horse is in much better form than when he finished fourth last year. He's an excellent jumper who loves the course and Tony Dobbin, who takes the ride while Barry recovers from his broken leg, won the National on Lord Gyllene and has an excellent record over the Aintree fences."

Recurring arm problems forced Dunwoody to retire in 2000 and a switch to stamina tests of a different sort.

The Flora London Marathon on 18 April is next on his agenda, and anyone who feels the most driven rider of his generation is running for fun is sorely mistaken. "I did the New York Marathon in 2001 and the London Marathon in 2002 and they were both fantastic occasions," he said. "New York is probably that little bit more difficult as it has a few more tough climbs, but they both have a great atmosphere which helps you keep putting one foot in front of another when things get tough."