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Gentleman De Mee struck late under a fine ride from Mark Walsh in an Irish-dominated Randox Supporting Prostate Cancer UK Topham Handicap Chase at Aintree.
The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old was a Grade One winner in his pomp but was sent off a 14-1 shot as the professional jockeys got their first look at the famous Grand National course.
Walsh and Gentleman De Mee had to survive a blunder at the second fence, with Paul Nicholls’ Ginny’s Destiny leading the field along in the early stages.
Ginny’s Destiny was joined after Becher’s Brook by Ian Donoghue’s Lisnamult Lad and although the eye was always drawn to Gentleman De Mee travelling well, it was Lisnamult Lad who looked to have the race at his mercy when taking up the running after the last.
However, a loose horse proved tough to avoid for his pilot Jonathan Burke, who had to check his momentum, allowing Walsh to bridge the gap and conjure up maximum effort from his willing partner to strike by three-quarters of a length.
The first five home were all Irish-trained, with Mullins and successful owner JP McManus having I Am Maximus at the head of the betting for Saturday’s Randox Grand National.
Willie Mullins
Mullins, who saddled five runners including the pulled up 5-1 favourite Blue Lord, said: “I thought Blue Lord was the one that was going to do the job, but I suppose with the likes of Blue Lord and Gentleman De Mee they were coming back into a handicap from Grade Ones and I was hoping the drop in class was what they were looking for.
“Gentleman De Mee is a very good jumper and we thought at this stage of his career he should easily go up in trip. Looking at the race, we thought it would suit him.”
On whether the success was a good omen ahead of the National, he added: “All the horses are running well and we’re looking forward to it.
“I Am Maximus is in good shape. I wish I’d got the last run into him, but it didn’t work out that way.”
Walsh was thrilled to ride his first winner over the National fences ahead of partnering the well-fancied Perceval Legallois in the big one on Saturday.
Ruby Walsh
He said: “They went a very strong gallop the whole way. I wanted to pop out handy and he missed the start, it’s funny how things work out. I was out the back most of the way.
“Once I turned away from the stands going down to Becher’s he started winging fences and getting himself in a nice position. I know they had gone quick and I was still happy enough sitting on him.
“Luckily a gap came off the rail and I was able to have a lovely passage through. It worked out a dream for me.
“He won a Grade One here a couple of seasons ago and was second in the Champion Chase last season, and that was a fair performance with 11st 11lb.”
Burke was left cursing his luck with Lisnamult Lad, saying: “It (interference) possibly cost me the race. It definitely cost me some momentum but when my horse got to the rail he ran straight to the line. We were just beaten by a class horse.
“I had a hell of a spin. It took me a couple of fences to work out what he could and couldn’t do. His take offs and landings were very measured.
“It’s a shame it didn’t come off, but I’m sure he’ll be back here again.”
