Having a ride over the enormous fences at Aintree must be daunting enough for most jockeys, but what about the added pressure of riding a horse trained by your father?

The last two Grand Nationals have gone to father and son partnerships, in the shape of Tommy and Paul Carberry with Bobbyjo in 1999, and Ted and Ruby Walsh in last year's renewal with Papillon.

Carberry junior had a particularly hard act to follow, his father having won the National in 1975 on L'Escargot, but Ruby Walsh insists that the family influence is a positive one.

"It makes it easier if anything. Blood is thicker than water and I know that dad is always behind me whatever happens," he said.

"It doesn't really bother me who I ride for but it makes victory that much sweeter if it's a family win."

Big ambition

Another young jockey who would concur with this sentiment is Tom Scudamore.

With a surname that needs no introduction in the world of jump racing, Tom's aim is to achieve something that his father Peter never did.

With the Irish horses being given permission to travel despite the foot-and-mouth crisis, the Walsh team has the chance of a repeat performance at this year's meeting.

Tom is also hopeful of securing a mount. Peter Scudamore is assistant trainer to Nigel Twiston-Davies - the team which saddled the 1998 winner, Earth Summit - and for whom Tom rides regularly.

More open

"I don't really approach my races any differently if I'm riding for Nigel and dad," he revealed.

"In one way it helps because I feel I can be more open with my father, but on the whole I try to treat it the same as I would for any other trainer."

If you feel the weight of family expectation is too much to bear, spare a thought for Mark Pitman.

Seemingly having the 1991 race at his mercy at the last fence, his mount Garrison Savannah in the jockey's own words "died on him", to be beaten into second place on the run in by Seagram.

Not only would the horse have emulated Golden Miller's unique 1934 feat of claiming the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National in the same season, but yes, you've guessed it, he was trained by Mark's mother - the 'Queen of Aintree', Jenny Pitman.

Try explaining that one to the boss.

Martell Grand National - Saturday 7 April. Live coverage on BBC One, Sport Online and Five Live. Race starts 15:45 BST/14:45 GMT.