Palypso de Creek is set to fulfil a long-held ambition for trainer Charlie Longsdon when he runs in the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday

The 34-year-old handler, who is in his first season at Hull Farm stables, near Chipping Norton, has spent many a day dreaming of having a representative in the world’s most famous steeplechase.

Previously based near Moreton-in-Marsh, he had a likely contender for the National in 2007 in the shape of Kerstino Two, only for his charge to be fatally injured on the gallops.

Now though Longsdon is looking to Palypso de Creek to help ease those painful memories.

“To have a runner at Aintree is going to be huge,” he said.

“All jockeys dream of riding in the Grand National, and as a trainer you dream of having a runner.”

And he believes that the seven-year-old bay gelding – a best-priced 50-1 shot and a first ride in the race for Broadway-based jockey Tom Siddall – has an outside chance.

Indeed, Palypso de Creek has already won France’s version of the Grand National, in 2008 when trained by Bertran De Balanda.

However, with the French racing calendar offering limited opportunities, Longsdon swooped last autumn to purchase the son of Brier Creek for Lytham St Annes-based businessman Alan Halsall, the boss of Silver Cross Prams.

And Palypso de Creek made an immediate impact in this country, winning a novices’ hurdle at Towcester.

He then finished fourth to Vic Venturi in the Becher Chase over the National fences at Aintree, before running a blinder to be second to Our Vic in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock.

“Palypso has been good for us this season,” said Longsdon. “I think he could run well.

“He has jumped round the fences back in November and knows what he is doing.”

Palypso de Creek may only be a seven-year-old, but Longsdon points that out he gained plenty of experience in his native France.

Longsdon said: “In terms of the English and Irish horses he is a young horse, but he is an experienced handicapper.

“He is a careful jumper. You want to be economical and tidy. If you are flashy, you end up on the floor.”

AndLongsdon is optimistic he will have the stamina for the marathon test.

“You never know until you run over that distance,” he said. “There is no reason why he should not. “