Vieux Lion Rouge wins Becher Chase at Aintree for second time

The 11-year-old was running in the race for the fifth time after finishing 1st, 7th, 2nd and 9th in the last four renewals and he didn't put a foot wrong - unlike plenty of his opponents.

Yala Enki fell at the first, Walk In The Mill - winner of the last two renewals - was not happy early on and fell at the fence in front of the stands, where Coo Star Sivola unseated Tom O'Brien, as well.

Aso fell at the ninth, Callett Mad unseated Daryl Jacob at the 10th and even those that remained kept on making the errors; Jett and Ramses De Teillee made shuddering mistakes at Becher's Brook and Le Breuil, going well in front at the time, was slow at the last open ditch, four from home.

By that point Vieux Lion Rouge had made his way to the front and his economic jumping meant he was tanking as others were vigorously ridden in behind.

By the line he was 24 lengths clear of Kimberlite Candy, with Le Breuil third and Calipso Collonges fourth. Value Bet each-way selection Smooth Stepper sneaked into the top five at 25/1.

Connections hail stable star

O’Farrell said: “That was super. He’s an old star who knows his way around here and is brilliant over those fences.

“There was plenty of pace today, so we took our time and let him get into a rhythm and he saw it out very well.

“There was a lot going on, but the course is wide enough and you can give yourself light everywhere if you want to.

“He has a fair record over these fences and to win this race for a second time, at his age, is fantastic.

“I’m delighted for David and for Caroline (Tisdall, part-owner) as well. I spoke to her beforehand and all she said was ‘make sure you both come back safely’.”

Speaking from home, Pipe said: “What a horse over those fences. Jumping is the name of the game and it’s a great effort by the team.

“He’s dropped a few pounds in the handicap, the rain came and I thought he was in good form. I said to Conor this morning and said ‘he’ll take you round there, just take your time and creep into it’.

“Conor rode him to win a veterans’ chase last year and used to work here (Pond House). He’s obviously based up north now, but when Tom (Scudamore) chose Ramses De Teillee (finished seventh), Conor was the obvious choice.

“I believe the horse has now jumped 223 fences around the National course at Aintree – he seems to light up for the occasion and his record is second to none. He’s like Fred Astaire around there!

“He doesn’t seem to stay the Grand National trip and I didn’t think he’d even get into the race before today, but now he might.

“He’s in the Welsh Grand National and is also qualified for the veterans’ final at Sandown as well, so possibly one of those two races might be his next target.”

Tom Lacey was proud of Kimberlite Candy’s effort and he could be back in April for the National.

Lacey said: “He’s run an absolute cracker, but nobody wants to be second.

“I saw most of the race on the big screen and it looked like he put in an almost perfect round of jumping, excluding the first.

“He’s run a cracker, but obviously we’re hugely disappointed to bump into a very impressive winner.

“He’s done nothing wrong and seems to relish these fences. I can’t see why he won’t be back here in April if we get a wet spring, but we’ll get over today first and speak to Frank Berry (racing manager to owner JP McManus) and see what the plan is – maybe the Classic Chase at Warwick will be an option again.”

Of Le Breuil, Charlie Longsdon said: “Kielan (Woods) doesn’t know how he stood up at the ditch – it was a mad mistake and it knocked the stuffing out of him.

“He paid the price for that one mistake, but apart from that he’s run a blinder and he’s quite clearly able to jump these fences.

“The aim would be to come back here in April, but at the moment his mark would be nowhere near getting in and we’ve got a few pounds to find.”

Betting reaction

Sky Bet go 25/1 about the winner for the Grand National, with Betfair Sportsbook and Paddy Power both 50s.

Michael Shinners of Sky Bet said: "You cannot deny that the Grand National fences bring the best out of Vieux Lion Rouge. He once again showed great guts and determination to win easily and we now go 25/1 for the Grand National in April."