Adrian Maguire celebrated his appointment as Ferdy Murphy's stable-jockey with an authoritative victory aboard Native Wit in the opener at Uttoxeter today.
His mount jumped to the front five out and stayed on strongly to defeat Kates Charm by six lengths in the EBF Tattersalls (Ireland) Mares' Novices' Chase Final.
Immediately after the victory winning trainer Murphy revealed that he is about to sign up Maguire as his stable-jockey.
'We've had a gentlemen's agreement but next week I'm going to sign a three-year deal with Adrian,' he said.
'My stable strength is going up from about 40 this year to something like 100 next season and Adrian is a tremendous man to have on your side.
'I know some people have been having a go at Adrian but put him on a young horse on the schooling grounds and he's still the best in the country.
'He will be riding a lot of mine next year but I also hope to give a fair shot to my other jockey JP McNamara.'
Leading contender Edmond has been announced a non-runner in the Marstons Pedigree Midlands Grand National. Listen Timmy and Juyush are also absentees.
