French trainer Francois Doumen is hoping to rewrite the history books in this year's John Smith's Grand National.

There has not been a Gallic triumph in the race for more than 140 years, but Doumen is confident of breaking that hoodoo when he saddles brothers L'Ami and Kelami in the world's most famous steeplechase at Aintree on April 5.

Doumen said: "We know you need luck in the race and it is almost an impossible dream to win the John Smith's Grand National, especially when you come all the way from France, and the results have not been too good up to now.

"But if you don't take the challenge you don't get anywhere."

He added: "Both horses are absolutely on course for the race. Kelami is not 100 per cent certain to get in, but I would hope he will make the cut.

"L'Ami ran a splendid race last time (third to An Accordion in the William Hill Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival).

"He came from far off the pace and made a very good effort, so I was happy with that.

"I have a fair confidence in the horse."

Kelami is currently 46th in the list of entries with a weight of 10st 9lb and stands a very good chance of making the final field of 40 for the Grade Three epic over four and a half miles and 30 fences.

L'Ami, who finished 10th behind the victorious Silver Birch in last year's race, has been allotted 11st 1lb for this season's renewal.

The last French-trained winner was the Duke Of Hamilton's Cortolvin in 1867, trained across the Channel by the Englishman Harry Lamplugh, who was repeating his success of 1862 when the Viscount de Namur's Huntsman prevailed.

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