HEREFORDSHIRE trainer Kerry Lee has her fingers crossed that Bishops Road will be declared to run at Aintree this Saturday and realise her dream of competing at the Crabbie's Grand National.

Lee, from Byton, has had a fantastic maiden season after taking over from her father Richard and, if he is one of the 40 runners, Bishops Road has a decent chance of doing well.

As of this morning, Bishops Road was 41st of the list of available horses that can run, meaning he will only race if any of the top 40 runners pulled out.

The final declarations will be made tomorrow, but Lee said, he will still race in the Topham Chase on Friday if not selected for the big one.

"Hopefully he will be able to run and, if he does, it will be a dream come true," said Lee.

"He definitely needs a lot of luck, as they all do, but it is so exciting in my first season.

"The owner, Alan Halsall, is a director at Aintree, which is the reason why he was bought, with the Grand National in mind.

"It was always my dad's ambition to run the National and I am delighted to run it for him."

Bishops Road is priced at 25/1 with some bookmakers and won the Grand National Trial Handicap Chase by nine lengths at Haydock in February.

The eight-year-old also registered an impressive win at Sandown the previous month in another handicap chase and jockey Jamie Moore will be confident of running well should he make the final cut.

Moore was onboard Mountainous that won the Welsh National for Lee in January, one of many great wins for the county trainer.

Lee also claimed her first Grade One triumph at the Ryanair Gold Cup Novice at Fairyhouse on March 27.

"Sometimes you have to pinch yourself," said Lee.

"It's been such an amazing season."

If Lee triumphs on the greatest stage of them all, she will be only the fourth female trainer in the history of the National.

Venetia Williams famously won with 100/1 shot Mon Mome in 2009, while Jenny Pitman (1983 and 1995) and Sue Smith (2013) have also succeeded.

Williams is expected to have two runners – 66/1 shot Katenko and Aachen, who is priced at 100/1.

The race gets underway at the later time of 5.15pm, live on Channel 4.