Grand National 2004

past winners

Monty's Pass wins Grand National 2003

Results & Roundup - Friday 8th April

02:00 PM John Smith's Mildmay Novices' Chase (Grade 2)

Like-A-Butterfly bacame the first Irish winner since Boss Doyle in 1998 as Tony McCoy gave the mare a masterful ride. Held up at the back throughout, she was produced in the straight to pick off See You Sometime who had cut out most of the running, and L'Ami who was switched on the run towards the last after making steady headway. Lacdoudal was also held up and was in with every chance two out but ran out steam, while both Chauvinist and Control Man, who had kept See You Sometime company for well over a circuit, faded right out of contention. Of the rest, Whitford Don gave a good account, but Limerick Boy fell at the cross fence after a circuit when in mid-division. So, another win in the race for McCoy who was also on board the aforementioned Boss Doyle seven years ago. Like-A-Butterfly is 11-years-old now but was fifth at Cheltenham and won a Grade 1 contest at Fairyhouse prior to today's magnificent effort.

02:35 PM John Smith's Top Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class A )

Jockey Richard Johnson has an amazing record in this race, having sat on previous winners Midnight Legend, Phardante Flyer, In Contrast and Limerick Boy, and made it win number five courtesy of Mighty Man. Henry Daly's charge lived up to his name as he held on well from Dusky Warbler to complete a four-timer and remain unbeaten. The front two had been given a lead throughout by Napolitan who was clear of his field at one point, but he came back to them steadily and and faded to finish third. Sea Captain and Marcel were both disappointing, as was Astronomic, but the sky is the limit for the winner who does not know how to give in. He should be remembered come next season.

03:10 PM John Smith's Melling Chase (Grade 1) (Class A )

Moscow Duly did the business to become the fourth horse to complete back-to-back Melling Chase successes. Given a lead by first Kadarann and the Therealbandit, Jessica Harrington's stable star jumped well under Barry Geraghty, stalking the leader under heavy restraint before taking it up on the home turn. From four out it was just a case of standing up to secure a famous victory. That he did, with Le Roi Miguel giving vain chase all the way to the line. A record of 19 wins from 19 completed starts speaks for itself and the Aintree crowd can say that they witnessed a true champion.

03:45 PM John Smith's & Spar Topham Handicap Chase (Grand Nat Course) (Class B )

Having refused late on in the 2003 National, Cregg House returned to tackle the famous fences again, and was given a great ride by Davy Russell to hold off the challenge of Haut De Gamme. The latter was given an equally inspired ride by Keith Mercer who of course took over at Ferdy Murphy's yard when Russell went back over to Ireland, so the victory will be all the sweeter. The favourite Longshanks was prominent throughout and had every chance at the elbow, but his lack of a a recent outing probably counted against him, and he was pipped for third by Le Duc. Impek gave a good account as well, but Juveigneur was disappointing after his splendid earlier Cheltenham effort.

04:20 PM John Smith's Nussl Sefton Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class A )

Paul Carberry missed out on a winner here as he was feeling the effects of Thursday's exertions, and it was Ruby Walsh who stepped up to ride Asian Maze to victory. Ruby took the initiative four out and kicked on aboard the mare who made the most of her seven-pound sex allowance. Mind you, she had to dig deep to repel the persistent challenge of Brewster as the pair pulled a long way clear of Football Crazy and Moulin Riche. Bewleys Berry pulled too hard early and was eventually pulled up as was the fancied Gold Medallist who was hanging his head on the home turn. The win of Asian Maze was a first on these shores for Thomas Mullins who has only recently taken over the reigns from father Paddy, and it was a third on the day for the Irish.