/ Editor / 25 February 2007 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

is the first British-trained runner to head the Grand National betting since the Betfair market was formed shortly after last season's contest.

Venetia Williams' gelding overtook his Irish rivals to trade as the market leader on 13, following a gutsy win in the Tote Eider Chase at Newcastle on Saturday.

The ten-year-old has been quietly supported all year for the Aintree marathon, after finishing fourth in the event last year, and proved his liking for Liverpool when occupying the same position in the Becher Chase in November.

Although still entered in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the National looks the most likely destination for the battling performer whose Latin name translates as 'Never despair.'

"Nil Desperandum has got to go for the National now," said owner Michael Shone.

"He is also in the Gold Cup but it would have to be soft ground at Cheltenham and we will have to see how much this race has taken out of him."

Behind Nil Desperandum in the market is the Irish-trained quintet Dun Doire (14.5), Far From Trouble (16), Numbersixvalverde (16.5), Hedgehunter (19) and Point Barrow (19.5).

Amberleigh House was the last British-trained winner of the Grand National back in 2004.