Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated a victory on Grand National day as his horse, Wade Out, made a triumphant return to smaller obstacles in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Aintree.
The seven-year-old, co-owned by the former Manchester United manager, was sent off at 18-1 odds, having spent the current season competing over fences.
However, fitted with first-time blinkers by trainer Olly Murphy, Wade Out proved a transformed competitor, racing with considerable zest to secure a commanding success under jockey Gavin Sheehan. Stablemate Hold The Serve, the 100-30 favourite, could only manage a fifth-place finish.
The race was, however, overshadowed by a fatal injury sustained by Get On George, with the Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith-trained gelding tragically euthanised after going wrong on the flat.
Winning trainer Murphy expressed his surprise at the manner of Wade Out’s victory.
"I thought he’d win the National Hunt Chase but he laughed at me for the whole three miles and five furlongs, so we sent him back over hurdles and put a set of blinkers on and he’s turned a competitive field into a rout," Murphy stated.
"I thought I might win but not in that fashion. He’s a horse who has always had loads of ability. We’ll train him as a staying hurdler now, he’s not over-big so jumping fences has probably been a big effort for him. We all want winners here. I huffed and puffed yesterday and didn’t get anywhere, so it’s great to get a winner today."
Later in the day, Mr Hope Street denied the 7-2 favourite Lookaway a hat-trick, shading a thrilling finish to claim the William Hill Handicap Chase.
Dan Skelton’s eight-year-old, sent off at 4-1, was expertly ridden by the trainer’s brother, Harry, who drove him home to a head verdict.
The winning handler, Dan Skelton, revealed the challenges faced by Mr Hope Street.
"He is a good horse but mid-season he had a high suspensory injury, just a flare, but it meant we had to back off him," Skelton explained.
"He was ready last week, but I literally had one week in hand, so everything had to go to plan. He had a canter around a point-to-point course last week and that put him spot on. It’s remarkable how it has all come together today, Harry gave him a beautiful ride, it’s perfect.
“He’s named after the hotel in Liverpool and my head girl Polly (Claire Freeman) has been up here for three days, she’s nearly given herself liver failure and if she hasn’t yet she’ll accomplish it tonight!"
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