'It's a perfectly good idea' - Nicky Henderson eyeing Grand National glory despite reduction in field size

You can read Nicky Henderson's stable tour on the Racing Post website on Sunday evening or in Monday's paper and it's safe to say he's got his eye on the prize – or prizes, even.

In Constitution Hill, Jonbon and Shishkin, he has arguably Britain's best contenders for the Grade 1 crown jewels, but he has also quietly gone about putting together what appears to be a tidy team for the Randox Grand National.

Henderson, whose first winner came 45 years ago, will not need reminding he has never captured the Aintree showpiece, but there was optimism in his voice when he assessed his contenders during a recent visit to the Seven Barrows engine room. Or there was until he reminded himself the maximum field has been reduced to 34 from 40.