Trainer Mouse Morris is increasingly confident First Lieutenant can give Nina Carberry a great chance to become the first woman to ride the winner of the Grand National.
Female jockeys were thrust into the spotlight at Fairyhouse on Monday as Carberry’s great friend and sister-in-law Katie Walsh became only third woman to win the Irish Grand National aboard the Sandra Hughes-trained Thunder And Roses.
Carberry also won the Easter highlight aboard Organisedconfusion four years ago.
Walsh’s third-placed finish on Seabass in the 2012 Grand National is the best result for a woman in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
First Lieutenant has found life tough competing in top-level conditions chases this season, but after saddling the second and third in the Irish Grand National, Morris is hopeful his dual Grade One winner is primed to bounce back at Aintree on Saturday.
“The horse couldn’t be better, we just want a bit of luck now,” Morris said.
“We can take a lot of positives out of Monday, even if it was a bit frustrating.
“Nina has been and popped the horse over some Aintree fences and they seemed to get on fine.
“She’s a brilliant jockey for Aintree. Hopefully he’ll give her a great ride. I think he will.
“It was great for Katie to win the race on Monday and hopefully Nina can do the same at the weekend.
“We’ll try and keep the women happy!”
