For sheer persistence year after year Tom Scudamore must be one of the most optimistic jockeys around because if he rides again in 2010 it will be his 9th Grand National with no wins under his belt so with that in mind, can he pick a horse to get him over the finish line first?

He made his debut in the Grand National in 2001, at just 18 years of age, riding Northern Starlight. Believe it or not, he was the third generation of Scudamores’ to ride in the National – his grandfather Michael rode Linwell to win the 1957 Gold Cup and Oxo to win the 1959 Grand National, while his father Peter, although the National eluded him, rode a total of 1,677 winners, bettered only by Richard Dunwoody and A P McCoy.

Tom, who was coached by his father from an early age, was riding winners in the 1999-2000 season, while he was still only 17. He rode 52 winners as an amateur, and turned professional when he was 20. He was attached to Martin Pipes stables, but also, through his father maintained close links with the Nigel Twiston-Davies yard.

He rode in the National for his second time in 2002, and again was the youngest rider in the race, but again victory was not to be his. In the 2003 National he finished eighth on Blowing Wind, which is his best placing so far in the race.

In March 2007 Tom was made number one jockey to David Pipe, and when he isn’t riding for David he still rides for other trainers including his brother, Mike who took over the training licence from Grandfather, Michael.

Tom is recognised as one of the top jockeys in the country who has had wins in the Weatherbys Long Distance Hurdle on Maid Equal at Ascot, the Barton and Guestier Hurdle at Aintree on Carlovent, the Ladbroke Hurdle on Desert Air, the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup Chase on Heltonic, the Eider Chase on Nil Desperandum and the VC Casino.com Gold Cup Chase at Newbury on Madison du Berlais.

Last year he rode Battlecry for the Twiston-Davies stables and though he completed the course he only came in 16th place. I don’t know who he’s going to choose this year but if you fancy ante-post odds on the Grand National 2010 then just go to Paddy Power to place a bet.