Alex Ferguson is set to have a runner in the Grand National after trainer Paul Nicholls confirmed he would enter Harry The Viking, part-owned by the Manchester United manager, in the race.

The eight-year-old was second to Teaforthree in the four-mile race at the Cheltenham Festival in March last year and was last seen finishing ninth in the Hennessy behind Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth.

Ferguson owns Harry The Viking with three others, including Ged Mason, with whom he enjoyed success with What A Friend.

Nicholls posted a picture on Twitter of Harry The Viking schooling at his stables, adding Tidal Bay and Join Together would also be entered as he tries to repeat the success of Neptune Collonges last year.

"Harry The Viking (Daryl Jacob) schooling this morning. Will have entry in Grand National with Tidal Bay and Join Together," Nicholls said on Twitter.

The Grand National, staged annually at Aintree near Liverpool, northwest England, over a distance of more than four miles and featuring some exceptionally severe fences, is one of the most prestigious events in the British jump racing calendar.