Top French hurdler Le Sauvignon will make his British debut in the Grade One Martell Aintree Hurdle on Saturday.
The six-year-old has won four of his eight starts for top jumps trainer Jehan Bertran de Balanda.
Anthony Bromley of the British Bloodstock Agency has overseen Le Sauvignon's trip from France and he said today: "He'll be staying at Aintree racecourse and we considered a tilt at this race when Istabraq was deemed a non runner - it's ambitious but exciting.
"Le Sauvignon has been running against the best hurdlers in France, winning twice at Auteuil, and he could surprise a few people as he also won twice at Enghien which is very much like Aintree in that it's flat, sharp and left-handed.
"Obviously we have the likes of Monsignor and Hors La Loi III to beat but Le Sauvignon's main target will be the French Champion Hurdle - the Grande Course de Haies - at Auteuil in June."
Le Sauvignon, owned by Yorkshire-based businessman David Jackson who has horses in training with Mary Reveley and Micky Hammond, will be ridden by stable jockey Domninique Bressou.
Ten-times champion French jump jockey Christophe Pieux will be a guest of the sponsors at the Martell Grand National on Saturday, but is keen to grab a piece of the Aintree action.
'Shippy' Ellis, agent of top French Flat jockey Olivier Peslier, said today: "Both he and Olivier are guests of Martell on Saturday and Christophe says he will be available for rides."
Pieux, who can do 10st 5lb, has ridden 963 winners over jumps in France and 51 on the Flat.
Pieux can be contacted through Ellis on 01638 668484.
