GUISELEY jockey Dominic Elsworth has his sights all set on the Grand National next April. The 22 year-old claimer who rides for the Harvey and Sue Smith stable at Eldwick had the biggest win of his life on Sunday.

Riding the ten year-old Ardent Scout young Elsworth treated the Aintree crowd to a vintage round of jumping over the National fences to win the Bechers Chase.

Elsworth regularly partners Ardent Scout and it was third time lucky for the pairing in the Bechers Chase. They were runners-up to Young Kenny in the Bechers two years ago and fourth when Amberleigh House was the winner last year.

"I was doing a light weight so I was absolutely knackered at the end but it was all worthwhile. Ardent Scout was brilliant but I didn't dare look behind me just in case something was closing. It was very nerve wracking," said Elsworth.

Elsworth is hoping that his luck holds and that he will make it to the Grand National. He has had an unlucky time with injuries having broken his leg badly a year ago and then after five rides back in the saddle he broke his collarbone.

It is not certain that Elsworth will get a Grand National ride however. Official handicapper Phil Smith said after his win: "Amberleigh House won the Bechers last year but did not get a run in the National. Both first and second would probably now qualify if you took this year's running as a guide as the bottom weight was rated 100.

"The quality of the entries is getting higher and it is my job to try and ensure the best horses take part."

Of Elsworth's Bechers win Sue Smith said: "Ardent Scout is a superb jumper and Dominic gave him a brilliant ride. We are keeping our fingers crossed he gets into the Grand National.

The Bechers win was the 55th and biggest win of Elsworth's career so far.

He said:"It was do or die at the last fence but Harvey Smith has instilled one golden rule in my head and that is 'never look round'."