Britain’s Zara Phillips is training her husband’s horse to win the first £1million Grand National.
The 32-year-old royal – who is married to Mike Tindall with whom she has 11-week-old daughter Mia – helps Michael Scudamore train Monbeg Dude at the Princess Royal’s Gatcombe Park estate in the Cotswolds.
Michael told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "The Dude certainly likes his visits to Gatcombe by royal appointment – it’s a lovely place and it’s something different for him.
"I’ve been taking him over there most Mondays since the start of the season.
"Zara hasn’t been able to ride him because she was pregnant for most of the schooling but I think she enjoys it.
"She decides what exercises he should do and Mia is usually nearby – tucked up nice and warm in her buggy.
"The aim has been to improve The Dude’s footwork because he was being a little bit lazy at his obstacles and making mistakes.
"He’s much sharper now and I think Zara takes great pride in how his jumping has improved.
"To have someone that talented in the team is utterly invaluable."
Mike bought the horse an auction four years ago after he made a joke bid of £12,000.
The 2014 Grand National will take place on April 5.
Zara Phillips helps train Mike Tindall’s horse
