SMOOTH Stepper stayed on through the Haydock mud to spring a surprise in the Grade 3 Unibet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase.

Alex Hales’ veteran was the 33/1 outsider of the 10-strong field, yet as others wilted in the extreme stamina test over an extended three and a half miles, Harry Bannister conjured a late surge after the last as the bottom-weight outdid long-time leader Lord Du Mesnil.

Smooth Stepper, who does not have a Grand National entry, then held off the runner-up’s rally to win by a length and a half, with another 19 back to 11/4 favourite Yala Enki in third.

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