Skelton living the family dream ahead of Grand day out

His father, Nick, is one of Britain's most successful show-jumpers. His boss is Paul Nicholls, the champion trainer. And his mentor is stable jockey Ruby Walsh, a dual-winner of the Aintree marathon.

It is their encouragement that has helped the 20-year-old forge a partnership with Niche Market, a 33-1 contender for Saturday's spectacular.

The Bob Buckler-trained nine-year-old has already provided Skelton with the two most memorable days of his fledgling career – a high-profile success in Ascot's BGC Silver Cup followed by an eye-catching victory in last year's Irish National, a proven Aintree trial.

His association with the horse was sufficient to persuade Nicholls to allow his young rider to ride Niche Market at Aintree rather than Nozic, the horse that Skelton rode to victory in the Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby in December 2008.

"The owners of Nichey, and Mr Buckler, spoke to Paul a few weeks ago and he was fine about it," said Skelton, whose older brother, Dan, is assistant to Nicholls. "It's my first National ride and, hopefully, it should be a good one. And I thought he ran a super trial in the William Hill Chase at Aintree.

"He was only beaten 15 lengths and the ground was probably a bit quick for him. He only has two speeds – not very quick and a bit quick. Basically, he goes at one gallop and four-and-a-half miles on softish ground should be ideal.

"For a young jockey to have such a good flagbearer, it is definitely a big, big help."

The enthusiasm in Skelton's voice is palpable as he looks ahead to the race – and what it means to his father, an Olympic rider, who regularly competes at the Great Yorkshire Show.

"He wanted to be a jockey when he was younger, but couldn't do the weight," said Skelton junior. "I'm doing what he couldn't do but he'll be there supporting me. For me, I always wanted to be a jockey and I'm very fortunate that chances have come my way at such an early age."

Not surprisingly, Skelton grew up surrounded by horses and he learnt to ride on the same pony as his father, Oxo, and took part in some of the top pony show-jumping competitions as a youngster.

Skelton enjoyed a summer with Reg Hollinshead when aged 13 prior to a spell at Richard Hannon's yard after leaving school.

He joined Nicholls's yard in October, 2005 and partnered his first winner under Rules when scoring on Temper Lad at Exeter two years later.

Yet, when it comes to Aintree, the first National that Skelton watched was the 2000 renewal when Papillon triumphed for Ireland, and recorded Walsh's first victory in the race.

Little did Skelton realise that they would become attached to the same stable – and that Skelton rides Sanctuaire on the gallops each morning, the horse that carried Walsh into the history books at Cheltenham last month when he became the National Hunt Festival's most successful jockey.

"I remember Papillon so well. Ruby's first ride – which gives me hope," he added.

"And how his horse went at the same pace throughout the race, which should serve Niche Market very well.

"The great thing is that he's always there to help.

"He'll tell you how to improve – just little things, but enough to make a difference.

"And if you want to ask him something, you can call him up. I can't imagine it's the same in many sports."