To those within National Hunt racing, Enda Bolger is a man to be revered.
During a distinguished career as an amateur jockey, the modest and well-liked Irishman rode what at the time was a record 413 winners in point-to-points and was champion in that sphere on seven occasions.
Since turning his l and to training in the early 1990s, Bolger has firmly established himself as the master of cross-country racing, with the likes of Risk Of Thunder, Spot Thedifference and Garde Champetre becoming the dominant forces in that particular area of the sport.
However, while his 'cross-country king' label is complimentary, Bolger is keen to prove he is no one-trick pony and will do just that if Gilgamboa can claim glory in the Crabbie's Grand National.
"It would be a dream - life is a dream. It's the race we all want to win," he said.
Bolger's passion for Aintree goes back to his riding days, during which he tackled the famous fences on multiple occasions. While he failed to claim a victory on the hallowed Merseyside turf, he still recalls his experience with great fondness.
"I finished second and third in the Fox Hunters' (at Aintree). The fences are obviously different these days, but it still has to be respected," he said.
"I always remember watching Red Rum and L'Escargot winning round there. I think anybody involved with jumps racing at the time would look back at those days.
"When I was riding there you would be nervous, but you'd be looking forward to it as well. You just get a funny feeling and a shiver up your spine when you walk through the gates at Aintree. It's a special place. It's wonderful to take part and to go out there and ride."
Given his astonishing record in cross-country events in both Britain and Ireland, it is perhaps surprising Bolger has saddled just three previous runners in the world's greatest steeplechase.
Cross-country races would appear the ideal preparation for a trip to Aintree, both in terms of a stamina test and jumping practice, with mock Grand National fences part of the offering on the banks courses at both Cheltenham and Punchestown.
While in years gone by horses contesting cross-country events may have been of either of a lower quality or past their best, there has been a sea change of late, with a number of leading National candidates pursuing this route.
"I've only had the three runners in the Grand National. Spot Thedifference was fifth one year, Lucky Town was eighth and L'Ami pulled up," said Bolger.
"We just haven't had that many horses good enough for Aintree, but I think the cross-country in Cheltenham is becoming an interesting National trial. Bless The Wings ran well this year and was just touched off in the Irish Grand National the other day.
"Gordon Elliott's horse that won the Aintree National (Silver Birch) was second in the cross-country race beforehand and Saint Are, who was second in Aintree last year, has run in Cheltenham before.
"The Kim Muir always used to be the one, but the cross-country now looks to be going that way."
Gilgamboa is not a product of the cross-country scene, but is nevertheless a fascinating contender. A relative novice having run just nine times over fences, his talent is undeniable having won a Grade One last season.
So far this term he has finished third behind Djakadam at Punchestown, finished fourth in a competitive handicap at Leopardstown and been fifth in both the Irish Gold Cup and the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham, getting within 10 lengths of the brilliant Vautour at Prestbury Park.
Bolger is in no doubt where Gilgamboa ranks in the list of horses he has sent to Aintree.
He said: "Gilgamboa would be the best horse we've run, definitely. All the others you were wondering whether they'd get in or not, but he's guaranteed a run.
"He's come out of Cheltenham in good form and came home well that day, so he would be interesting around Aintree. He's probably not good enough for the top-class races, he's just finding his way and I'm finding my way with him as well. "
The master of Howardstown House dare not dream how he would feel should Gilgamboa return home victorious.
"It would be unbelievable. As I said before, it's the race we all want to win, isn't it?" he added.
"Some of my good friends like Ted Walsh and Martin Brassil have managed to win it and I always said I'd love to get there one day. You've no chance if you don't run, anyway, so we'll give it a go. He's only an eight-year-old, so it will be some good experience for him and whatever happens, he's a horse for the future."
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