Tony McCoy has plumped for 8-1 second favourite Butler's Cabin in today's Aintree Grand National in the latest effort to rid himself of a rare blot in his sparkling career.

The 13-times champion jockey has tried to win the National on 13 previous occasions dating back to 1995 but never done better than third.

Given the right amount of luck, that can change today when 40 runners line up for the race traditionally billed as the world's greatest steeplechase.

None was going better in last year's National than Butler's Cabin but the horse took a tumble at Becher's Brook on the second circuit and McCoy's hopes were flattened again.

The champion had a choice of four rides this year for noted Irish owner and gambler J.P. McManus but eventually opted for Butler's Cabin, trained by Jonjo O'Neill.

Butler's Cabin has not won since landing the Irish Grand National two years ago and some of his form this season has been modest but he has long been a fancy to return to his best over the stiff Aintree obstacles.

Chief opponent is old rival Ruby Walsh, a hero at the Cheltenham Festival with a record seven successes. He had another big race winner on Thursday on the first day of the Aintree Festival, but also suffered a first-fence exit.

Walsh partners likely 7-1 favourite My Will for champion trainer Paul Nicholls who, like McCoy, has a poor National record with just one placed horse from 40 National runners since his first representative 17 years ago.