Injured jockey tips 12/1 Grand National winner with horse boasting 'standout rider'

It's just a matter of days until the biggest race in the English calendar, with punters, jockeys and horses all set to descend on Merseyside for Saturday's . With the big one fast approaching, one former National-winning jockey has thrown their weight behind a healthy 12/1 outsider for this weekend's race.

Derek Fox, who would've likely been involved in the festival, suffered a nasty fall at Sedgefield last month and broke the L1 vertebrae on his back as a result. It means the 2017 and 2023 victor will be sitting this year's edition out, with Fox - like the rest of us - eagerly awaiting this year's showpiece race.

However, during an interview with Freebets.com, the jockey revealed he fancies the look of Perceval Legallois - who by some bookies is priced at 12/1 - in the Saturday showpiece. The Irishman explained: "I like Gavin Cromwell's horse, Perceval Legallois. That's the one I'd want to be on. He looks like he's been really prepared for it. He's won a big-field handicap chase at Leopardstown and won a hurdle last time out.

"I think Mark Walsh, as far as I know, is going to take the ride on it, and I rate Mark very highly. I think it's a great standard in the weighing room, but I think Mark Walsh is a standout rider. He's going to be a great man to have on board and is on a nice weight. I'm sure I Am Maximus will be well-primed for the day as well, but I just have a feeling about that other JP horse."

Given his pedigree in previous editions of the Grand National, it would be no surprise if any of the winless jockeys dropped Fox a line asking for tips before Saturday's race.

On what it takes to be crowned winner, Fox explained: "It's hard to pinpoint exactly. Over the years, there have been great jockeys-Tony McCoy, John Francome, Ruby Walsh. Now, there are so many talented riders, especially at Cheltenham. Everyone has a jockey coach and the standard of riding is so high.

"Fitness is also more important than ever. When it comes to a race like the Grand National, it's about understanding what your horse is good at and riding accordingly. Whether your horse prefers to be forward or come from behind, you need to adapt and make decisions quickly when things don't go as planned.

"You need to have a good understanding of your horse's strengths and adjust your approach accordingly. Being quick to adapt is key. Sometimes, things don't go your way, so you need to be ready to switch things up and use your initiative."