Loyyalty may be a priceless commodity in racing, but it cost Jason Maguire last year's Grand National.

The much-improved jockey was offered the ride on Silver Birch by his friend, Gordon lliott, but instead pledged his allegiances to fledgling handler Donald McCain.

McCain's Idle Talk exited at the 19th fence, Elliott's Silver Birch won at 33/1 in the hands of Robbie Power and Maguire was just another also-ran.

His fidelity to McCain is honoured 12 months later, however, with the mount on red-hot National favourite Cloudy Lane.

"I've still got mixed feelings about last year's Grand National," reflected Maguire. "On one hand Iwas delighted for Gordon. We were old school friends in Ireland so it was great for him that he won the race.

"But then again I could have ridden the winner of the Grand National. I actually walked the course withGordon on themorning of the race and he was a bit worried the ground was too quick for Silver Birch.

"I've ridden him a few times, though, and thought it was perfect - and so itwas. It was probably unfortunate that I didn't get to ride him, but I'dmade commitments to Donald and I was proud to have stuck by Idle Talk."

Only the blinkered will be unaware of the McCain family's affinity to Aintree. After all, Red Rum's three victories and Amberleigh House's triumph in 2004 ensuredGinger McCainwill be forever remembered in history as Mr Grand National'.

Having passed on the baton to his son,Donald, theMcCain yard in Cholmondeley have continued to produce extraordinary animals capable of jumping extraordinarily demanding fences.

Cloudy Lane is their most impressive National beast since AmberleighHouse and has already achieved so much for an eight-year-old.

Second on his debut for Maguire in a Uttoxeter bumper three years ago, the iron-willed gelding has now won nine races - the last achievedwith effortless class at Doncaster.

"We always knewhewas a handy horse, but I think the turning point was when he won a big handicap at Haydock two years ago," added the jockey, a nephewof Gold Cup-winning rider Adrian Maguire.

"He's not amassive horse, but he jumps so well and I don't see any reason why he won't handle those Aintree fences."