JLT Melling Chase

(Grade 1)

THERE was a major shock in the most prestigious race at Aintree yesterday as Vautour, sent off at 5/1 on and thoroughly enjoying himself in the JLT Melling Chase, got in too tight as they started down the far side, stumbled on landing and gave Ruby Walsh little chance of staying in the saddle.

A stunned crowd saw the veteran Al Ferof sneak through on the inner in the straight but he was soon collared by Paddy Brennan and God’s Own, who kept on strongly to score by just under three lengths with Clarcam third.

Vautour, who seemed briefly to roll on Walsh, was quickly on his feet and kept on again to come between rivals on the run to the line. Happily the jockey was also unhurt, though his pride was no doubt dented.

Tom George’s God’s Own is a thoroughly exposed type but he won a Grade 1 at Punchestown two years ago and also finished fourth in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham last time.

With Vautour out of the way, that form turned out to be easily good enough.

SPRING HORSE

“He’s not the easiest of rides and I’m just relieved to have got it right on one of the most important days”, Brennan said. “He’s a spring horse and Tom had him spot on”.

Tom George said of his winner: “God’s Own has won a Grade 1 already in his career and people forget about him a lot. There has been a lot of hard work at home and it’s great to get it right on the big day.

“Paddy has ridden for us a long time now and we know him well. We keep working together and enjoying big days like today.”

The trainer, hoping to go one better with Saint Are in the Grand National, trains God’s Own for the Crossed Fingers Partnership, who had so many good years with Big Fella Thanks.