Carberry's Building bid provides dream chance

No Yorkshire-trained horse has won the Aintree marathon since Merryman II in 1960, no grey has won the race since Nicolaus Silver in 1961 – and no female jockey has won the race.

"It's about time we put the world to rights," Carberry told the Yorkshire Post after being told early yesterday that she would ride Malton trainer John Quinn's heavily-backed stable star.

Quinn's first runner in the race Character Building was heavily fancied last year until being withdrawn because of a niggling injury.

However, this year's preparations, away from the gallops, have been far from smooth – this splendid grey was only bought by his new owners David and Patricia Thompson, the proprietors of Cheveley Park Stud, last weekend.

It was widely expected that a top professional, like Richard Johnson, would acquire the ride but connections clearly admire Carberry's riding and, in particular, her successful record over Cheltenham's cross-country fences.

"Nina has proved time and again that she can mix it with the best and the Thompsons were very keen to acquire her services," said Quinn as he prepares to saddle his first National runner.

Carberry has had one previous ride in the race when ninth aboard Forest Gunner in 2006.

Yet her family – one of Ireland's great racing dynasties – is steeped in National folklore. Her father Tommy won the 1975 renewal on L'Escargot before training the 1990 hero Bobbyjo – ridden by her elder brother Paul, who rides King Johns Castle,

"I'll have no shortage of advice," added Carberry.

"I'm amazed and I am so grateful to the owners, and John, for placing their faith in me. I hope I can repay it.

"It would be nice to be the first woman – but that doesn't bother me. I just want to be known for my riding.

"I've never ridden Character Building, that doesn't deter me, but I've watched him from afar and how he has to be held up. He couldn't have been more impressive when winning the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last year."

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire trainer Paul Murphy is still hoping for a last-minute withdrawal at today's final declarations so Cerium, fifth last year, can take his place in the 40-runner line-up.

Malton-born Andrew Tinkler will ride Flintoff, and record-breaking champion jockey Tony McCoy ended weeks of speculation by plumping for Don't Push It over Jonjo O'Neill's stable companion Can't Buy Time as he bids to win a first National at the 15th attempt.