THE hopes of the region are pinned on one of the big outsiders in the UK’s most famous horse race.

Although many will back the favourite Big Fella Thanks at today’s Grand National at Aintree, trainer Howard Johnson says Royal Rosa, priced at up to 100-1 last night, is still in with a chance.

The horse, owned by Tyneside millionaire Graham Wylie and trained near Crook, in County Durham, got a lastminute opportunity to race when two reserves dropped out.

“He has been around the course before and he came third,” said Mr Johnson.

“I thought the National would be right up his street.”

“In races like this you never know what is going to happen.”

Should Royal Rosa romp to victory, it will be the first North-East trained horse to win the world-famous steeplechase since Red Marauder in 2001 and Bishop Auckland trained Red Alligator back in 1968.

Mr Johnson is optimistic jockey Wilson Renwick can give the 11-year-old horse its last chance to beat the odds.

“He is an experienced jockey and he’s been round the track before,” said Mr Johnson.

“It’ll be a good race.”

He picked out the favourite as Aintree’s best prospect but said it also faced a run for its money.

“It is hard to say who will win. It is an open race to be honest.

“A lot of the horses up the top look good – King John’s Castle and Niche Market have run well.

“I’ll not be having a bet though. I’ll be going for a day out and a few gin and tonics.”

One of the horses to drop out was also a product of the famous Wylie/Johnson partnership.

Four-year-old Abbeybraney was unable to compete after turning down its feed.

“It is a shame,” said Mr Johnson.

“He hadn’t eaten up his grub. He hadn’t had his breakfast or his tea last night so he is a non-runner. That’s just the way it goes.

“I’m going to have the vet out to see him next week and then finish up for the season.”