Dessie Hughes hopes his luck holds now that he has two horses - Vic Venturi and Black Apalachi - as serious contenders for the John Smith's Grand National.

Vic Venturi jumped his way to prominence for the Aintree spectacular in April by defying the steadier of 11st 12lb in the Becher Chase last Sunday.

Black Apalachi, winner of that race last year only to unseat his rider in the big event itself, was already high in the ante-post market for the National. Both horses are a top-priced 25-1.

"I've never had a National horse in my life and now I've got two," said the Kildare trainer.

"Vic Venturi took to it straight away which was good. I thought he might, but it was a good weight-carrying performance.

"He's fine after the race and Black Apalachi's fabulous.

"They might run over hurdles before the National unless I can find a conditions chase for them. It's possible I could find one for Vic Venturi.

"We'll have to mind them as both are high enough I would think. I reckon they are about 155 or 156 which is plenty for that race (the Grand National).

"You won't see Black Apalachi until after Christmas."