BORDERS MP John Lamont has placed a charity bet on a local horse and rider to win the Grand National this weekend.

The MP for Berwickshire Roxburgh and Selkirk placed the £25 each-way wager at Ladbrokes in Galashiels on the 66/1 outsider, Hill Sixteen, which will be jockeyed by Borderer Ryan Mania.

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Although it is a long shot, Ryan Mania has previously ridden a 66/1 outsider to victory in the Grand National.

In 2013, he won his maiden Grand National, riding Auroras Encore to a nine-length win to become the first Scottish jockey to win the race in 117 years.

Ryan Mania also won a race just last weekend, on 8 April, when he rode The Electrician to victory in the Novices’ Handicap Chase at Carlisle.

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The horse, Hill Sixteen, is owned by Sandy Thomson of the Borders.

All winnings from the bet will go to the Chirnside Larder. Should Hill Sixteen win, £1650 would be donated. Should the horse place, more than £150 would go to the charity.

Mr Lamont, said: “In this weekend’s Grand National, I’m backing a local horse and jockey to ride to victory and make some money for charity in the process.

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“He might be a long shot but Ryan Mania has beaten the odds before. I know people across the Borders and Scotland would be delighted to see him triumph again.

“I’m hopeful he can pull off an upset again so we can make a considerable donation to the Chirnside Larder, which generously helps so many people in need.

“Of course, I strongly encourage anyone placing a bet on the Grand National to gamble responsibly. I am encouraged to hear of all the steps that Ladbrokes are taking to help struggling customers. If you are suffering harm from gambling, it is vital that you come forward to seek help.”