Betfred Grand National Trial Handicap Chase report: Yala Enki grinds out victory
Yala Enki registered his first win for almost a year in the Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock.
Eight lined up but only three finished the marathon contest, with the complexion changing completely in the straight.
Silsol was an early casualty while The Dutchman only completed one circuit before being pulled-up.
With a mile to run Wild West Wind hit the front with Venetia Williams' Yala Enki and Blaklion still in touch.
At the fourth-last Wild West Wind began to go clear and the rest looked to have a tall order, but from seeming sure to win Wild West Wind stopped abruptly and was soon pulled up.
That left Yala Enki (8/1) and Charlie Deutsch in front and the Haydock regular had 54 lengths to spare from the favourite Blaklion, who found his big weight in testing ground just too much. Mysteree was the only other finisher.
Clive Hitchings, owner of Yala Enki, said: "He loves that ground, I couldn't believe he fell at the first last week as he's never fallen in his life before.
"Venetia was keen to come here. We've been saying that he needed a longer trip, but we weren't sure as he can get excited at the start.
"He was able to go steadier today on his own terms, without the throttle out. He loves this ground."
Deutsch said: "I thought he was in with a chance, but I didn't expect to win by that far. I knew my lad would stay, last time here behind The Dutchman was three miles and I was flat out all the way and he emptied.
"So I took my time today and knew he would keep going."
It was reported The Dutchman bled from his nose, while Adrian Heskin told the stewards that Wild West Wind "stopped quickly" but tests failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Sky Bet eased Blaklion out to 12/1 for the Grand National itself.
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