UNDER an inspired, never-say-die ride from Sam Twiston-Davies, Paul Nicholls’ Vicente finally wore down Cogry to land his second successive Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday. The winning distance was just a neck, the jockey prevailing at the expense of his father Nigel, who was responsible for both the runner-up and third-placed Benbens. Alvarado and Lessons in Milan were fourth and fifth.

Remarkably, there were no fallers although Sugar Baron unseated Nico de Boinville at the first, continuing Nicky Henderson’s blank record in Grand Nationals. The trip still found out quite a few, however, with a dozen pulled-up.

Missed Approach ran a fine race under 11st 12lb and was making the best of his way home when Cogry, in front from the start, suddenly swooped to regain the lead. Jamie Bargary gave him every possible chance but Vicente, with the steadier of 11st 10lb though racing off the same mark as last year, soon emerged as the principal threat.

Going right through with his effort, he got up in the dying strides with the third and fourth only a couple of lengths away.

Vicente had departed at the first in the Aintree marathon, which probably worked in his favour here. He was well supported at 8/1 joint-favourite, together with Neil Mulholland’s Southfield Royale, who was beaten on the turn for the home straight. It was certainly a race for those with experience of Ayr’s flat four miles because Benbens finished third two years ago, while Alvarado chased home Vicente winner in 2016.

Although Henderson is still very likely to claim the trainers’ title, reigning champion Nicholls closed the gap considerably and should things go his way today at Sandown, it could be very interesting.

“We love coming to Ayr and this is a great race to win,” Nicholls said. “Vicente was bought (by Trevor Hemmings) for the National and that didn’t work out but today is his day. He loves this good ground and this is his time of year. I thought with a circuit to go that he had a very good chance and Sam gave him a great ride.”

Hemmings bought Vicente privately to replace his Aintree hero Many Clouds, who died at Cheltenham in January. “This is the horse I got and he has done me proud,” he said with a smile.

One way or another, Grange Hill Farm in Naunton, Gloucestershire cleaned up because Sam Twiston-Davies used to ride for his father there, and had partnered Cogry in the past, Nigel saddled second and third and Fergal O’Brien, responsible for Alvarado, occupies the top yard.

“I’m delighted for Sam, although I’d have been even more delighted if the result had been the other way round,” remarked Twiston-Davies senior. “But it’s not bad to have second and third. I didn’t think Cogry would get into the race, which is why I ran him in the West Wales National at Ffos Las last Sunday.”

How time flies. Nigel has won this great Scottish event four times, his first victory with Captain Dibble coming six months before Sam was born. The 25 years have gone by in a flash.