Excitement is growing at Charlie Longsdon’s Chipping Norton stables ahead of Ely Brown’s challenge in the Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree on Saturday, writes Russell Smith.

The ten-year-old gelding’s place in the line-up was confirmed on Monday when he squeezed in as 39th on the list following the latest forfeit stage, with the final field of runners to number 40.

A 100-1 outsider, Ely Brown will be Longsdon’s second National runner following Palypso De Creek, who fell four from home when trailing five years ago.

And the trainer is relishing being involved again.

“There is a lot of excitement and a lot of attention,” he said. “It is a very surreal experience having a runner in the National.

“There are just so many people watching the race, something like 500 million.”

Ely Brown had a promising novice chase campaign last season, which was cut short when he picked up a minor injury in the Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot.

He returned in January when he was pulled up in a handicap hurdle at Wetherby.

A breathing problem was diagnosed as the cause for his disappointing run, and he has since had a wind operation.

“It’s been all systems go since then,” said Longsdon.

“He worked well the other day and he is in good form now and is just an honest horse.”

Ely Brown may not boast any strong recent form, but delve back into the formbook and he has shown he can cut it in high-class company.

Longsdon said: “He has been a great star to us. He has won three Pertemps qualifiers and a Grade 2 chase last season and plenty of prize-money whether it has been at Aintree, his local track (for his owners), or Wetherby.”

And with Ely Brown running in the colours of Liverpool-based Countrywide Vehicle Rentals Taxi Hire, headed by Mark Scott, his appearance in the world’s greatest steeplechase will fulfil an ambition for the owners.

Longsdon added: “It is a dream for them, being from Liverpool and Scousers.

“Having a runner in that race is something special for them.”