RACING: Chipping Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon may have been out of luck with Pendra in the Crabbie’s Grand National.
But he still had cause to celebrate after Zara Hope and Long Lunch posted a 21-1 double at Chepstow.
With heavy rain lashing down at Aintree on Saturday, conditions became extremely testing.
Pendra, a 50-1 outsider, trailed home 13th of the 16 finishers behind 33-1 winner Rule The World.
Jockey Aidan Coleman reported that his mount had jumped well, but didn’t get home in the rain-softened ground.
However, Longsdon enjoyed success in south Wales, with Graham Watters in the saddle for both his winners.
Zara Hope (7-1) stayed on well to open her account with a three-lengths verdict over Glenariff in a novices’ handicap hurdle over an extended two miles and three furlongs.
Tackling a handicap chase over the same trip, Long Lunch romped home by 20 lengths after being left clear as Calin Du Brizais and Iona Days crashed out at the fourth-last fence.
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