Quick Wave was narrowly denied by Snow Leopardess in a thrilling repeat of the Betfred Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Haydock Park on Saturday.
The whereabouts competition wasn’t held on proving grounds, but the runners faced a debilitating headwind down the homestretch and Quick Wave proved all the stronger as two brave mares fought to the finish.
Coached – like third Cloudy Glen – by Venetia Williams, Quick Wave was the last to play under Harry Bannister as longtime leader Cloudy Glen and Snow Leopardess traded shots on the Haydock Straight.
Cloudy Glen was the first of the three to collapse and cried enough after the last, but the popular gray Snow Leopardess continued to respond to Gavin Sheehan’s urging, only collapsing near the line.
The winning distance was just three quarters of a length, with Cloudy Glen another nine and a half.
Quick Wave was one of only four runners in the 14-man field with an entry in the Randox Grand National and her chances for the world’s most famous steeplechase race became slim after a stubborn performance that saw Betfred cut the winner from 50s to 25/1 surprisingly reduced. while Paddy Power is offering 33/1 ahead of Tuesday’s weights release.
It was Bannister’s first win since returning from a serious hip injury and he told Racing TV: “I can’t give it enough credit, she’s a beautiful mare. Thanks to Venetia and the team who met them exactly today.
“Venetia is an exceptional coach and it means a lot to win back this winner. It’s been a long road and there are many people to thank.
“I probably landed a little closer to the inside than I would have liked but we saved what we could, she jumped really well and moves so well and stays good.
“She showed her credentials and she appreciated being back on this better ground after the Welsh National.”
Charlie Longsdon was delighted with the performance of Snow Leopardess, who will not be competing at this year’s Grand National after competing in the race last season, but is set to perform at next month’s Cheltenham Festival.
“To be honest she drove an absolute banger. It’s great to get them back into the form we want them to be in and there’s no shame in finishing second,” he said.
“We’re obviously disappointed not to win but that’s neither here nor there and hopefully that will set them up well for next month’s cross-country.
“She’s getting her claim to £7 (at Cheltenham) and I’m confident we can sneak in there. She was a superstar mare for us and I can’t ask for anything more from her.”
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