Wayne Hutchinson will partner 20-1 shot Darkness in the Grand National at Aintree if Dominic Elsworth fails to recover from a shoulder injury.

Elsworth has not ridden since parting company with Dance Island in a handicap hurdle at Towcester last Thursday and, though a scan revealed there had been no break, severe bruising in a joint could allow Hutchinson a second ride in the showpiece event.

"Wayne Hutchinson will ride if, as it appears, Dominic is fighting a losing battle," said trainer Charles Egerton.

Hutchinson, 28, who won the Welsh National in 2006, would be a very capable understudy. However, he has yet to successfully negotiate an Aintree fence as Tikram, his mount last year, fell at the first.

Darkness, a lightly-raced 10-year-old, is owned by Lady Madeleine Lloyd-Webber, the third wife of theatrical impresario Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber.

He was thought to be a headline act when winning the Grade 1 Feltham Novices' Chase at Sandown on Boxing Day 2005 but suffered a tendon injury at the end of that campaign which sidelined him for two-and-a-half years.

Darkness made a pleasing reappearance at Haydock in November and though pulled up next time in the Welsh National, he returned to form when beating Church Island at Newbury in February.

Old Etonian Egerton, who sent out Mely Moss to finish second in the 2000 National on his seasonal debut, reckons Darkness can play a leading role.

"He'd have more ability than Mely Moss, who was as close to a perfectly-designed Aintree horse as you could get," said Egerton. "He's got a very good technique and he's actually a very good jumper but because he's long-backed it can make him look a bit awkward."

Egerton honed his considerable skills under the tutelage of Nick Gaselee, Alec Stewart and Australian trainer Colin Hayes. Given the right talent, he invariably brings about improvement and it is no coincidence that he boasts loyal owners like JP McManus and the Lloyd-Webbers.

However, the 44-year-old claims his endearing line in self-depreciation does him no favours with potential owners.He said: "I'm not very good at telling people it is a lovely, sunny day. If you are a bad salesman, there's nothing worse than trying to be a salesman. You end up looking a complete clown and I'm no salesman!"

He will, though, make an exception when advertising the claims of Darkness, who will carry 10st 9lb.

"This horse has been trained for the race. His whole target this season revolves around Aintree. The whole plan has gone perfectly," said Egerton.

"If the race was in five minutes' time, I don't think he could have had a better preparation and I couldn't have him in better shape.

"Just as long as his doesn't poke himself in the eye or one of his legs doesn't drop off, we'll be okay. If it was a Flat race I'd fancy the pants off him."

One thing's certain is that Darkness doesn't sound like just a dark horse.