JUST two years since Bashboy, ridden by Ruby Walsh, won a historic third Grand National Steeple, the Kathryn Dudren-trained Wells has repeated the feat, adding a thrilling victory in Sunday’s Grand National Steeple to his previous victories in 2016 and 2014.

On a six race all-jumps card the A$350,000 feature Grand National Steeple was the last event on a mostly sunny day. Sent out over the 4,500 metres and 16 fences in Ballarat’s heavy condition, runners were applauded first time round as Sea King and Mannertone set the early tempo before the French import Dormello Mo made the first decisive move of the race. Mid-field to Wicklow Brave in the 2015 Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham when trained by Paul Nicholls, Dormello Mo went forward at the start of the treble over the back. Opening up a gap of three lengths with 1,000 metres left, Dormello Mo got there a touch too quick as Sea King kept on in second with Richard Cully and Wells right there in third. Over The Yardarm was a further three lengths and making ground.

Dormello Mo was collared with 500 metres to run as Wells took over. Into the second last Sea King challenged for the lead but went a stride too early, catching the top of the fence, and crashing without incident. Wells, wanting to run out at the last, looked out on his feet as Over The Yardarm and Johnny Allen bore down. Using all of their 7.5kg advantage, Over The Yardarm was momentarily in front before Wells rallied again to win by a nose on the line. Running on well was Bold Zamour for third as Dormello Mo faded to fourth.

ROUSING RECEPTION

Given a rousing reception on his return to scale, the Galileo 10-year-old gelding was rightly heralded by Richard Cully who was also on board for last year’s win (Johnny Allen was on for Wells’ 2014 National). “He is a proper champion,” said Cully. “He could have laid down halfway up the straight but he’s just the toughest horse you could have anything to do with. I knew if he had to stick his head out he would have a dip. When that horse came to him he just found another gear.”

Part-owner Sandy McGregor described the win as “... one of the most exhilarating experiences in my life on a racecourse.” Trainer Kathryn Durden described the sensation of a third Grand National as “just unbelievable”.

“The last little bit, you’re just willing him to get over the line, I only thought in the last 50 metres that he had it. I knew he wouldn’t lie down.”

Wells has now won 12 races from 47 starts, with a jumps record of eight wins from 16 starts for total earnings of just short of $1.1 million.