Denis O'Regan has been snapped up by trainer Tom George for the ride on Big Fella Thanks in the John Smith's Grand National.

The Irish-born jockey has yet to win the Aintree spectacular but he went close when second on the Dessie Hughes-trained Black Apalachi behind Don't Push It in 2010.

George has acted quickly to secure his services and believes O'Regan and Big Fella Thanks will make a good combination.

"He's not ridden him before, but he's a good rider and I think he'll suit the horse," said George.

Big Fella Thanks has gone round in three Nationals, finishing fourth, sixth and seventh, and was also third in the Becher Chase over the famous fences in December.

The 11-year-old also holds an entry in the Topham Chase at the three-day meeting next week, but the National is the favoured target.

"It's looking more likely he'll go for the National. Obviously if it did get very soft, we'd have a discussion about it, but the target is the National," said the Slad trainer.

"We'll leave him in the Topham as well, just in case.

"He's on a career-high mark of 154. If the handicapper is right, he's better than he's ever been.

"He's finished fourth in a National, he's had a good preparation and we hope everything goes his way. He enjoys the place and we know anything can happen round there."