High-profile owner and proud Welshman Dai Walters has revealed his ambition to win this year's £100,000 Coral Welsh Grand National with the Richard Lee-trained Mountainous.

Following a media morning with the Herefordshire-based trainer, it was announced that the Dai Walters and James and Jean Potter-owned hope, Mountainous, an eight-year-old gelding, is progressing nicely for the three-mile five-furlong Grade three handicap chase that takes place at Chepstow Racecourse on Saturday 28th December.

Richard Lee, who trained Le Beau Bai to win in 2011, explained: "We have five horses entered in the Coral Welsh Grand National with Mountainous and Knock A Handmore likely to make the cut.

"Mountainous has had two runs this season, placed in both on ground that would have been a fraction quick for the big horse. He's progressed nicely and the Coral Welsh Grand National is firmly in our minds. Jamie Moore and Noel Fehily both agree that Mountainous is a special horse – one that they don't mind getting up early to ride."

When questioned about his runners' chances in the Welsh feature, Lee added: "It's still too early to comment on possible weights as we'll all know where we stand when a decision on top weight Tidal Bay's participation has been made. Nevertheless, I'm a positive thinker and we're in it to win it."

Walters said: "To win a race of this stature on home turf would be a childhood dream come true for all connections."

Other horses parading included Knock A Hand, another Coral Welsh Grand National contender owned by Alan Halsall.

The eight-year-old gelding enjoyed a highly successful hurdling debut in 2011/ 2012 but lost his way last season and is reportedly very much back on the comeback trail.

Also cantering was Russe Blanc – the only registered white horse in the country – who, as a six-year-old, targets an alternative December contest and will have another year on his back before building up to become a National horse.

Of the original 88 entries for The Coral Welsh Grand National, 71 horses stood their ground at the first forfeit stage on Tuesday 10th December.

Gates open at 10am for Chepstow's biggest race meeting of the season with a £190,000 total prize-pool. The seven-race card comes under starters orders at 12.05pm with the last race at 3.35pm.

Tickets can be purchased on the day from £20 or visit http://www.chepstow-racecourse.co.uk">www.chepstow-racecourse.co.uk for more information.