'They would've loved that' - El Paso Wood bolts up for National-mad owners

Thursday: Wincanton

Owners Judith and Fergus Wilson have a burning desire to win the Grand National but it was the Somerset version they were celebrating success in on a cold January afternoon, courtesy of an emphatic performance from French find El Paso Wood.

The David Pipe-trained eight-year-old was one of five to sport the red, white and black silks as the owners took aim at the Sussex National last month. He fared best, but 14 lengths behind in fourth.

Yet he appeared a completely different proposition here, travelling prominently throughout with Colorado Doc and kicking clear of that rival for a 34-length triumph.

He was taking advantage of a flyweight, carrying a stone less than his rivals when adding in jockey Philip Armson's 7lb claim.

"Fergus and Judith love all these types of races so I'm really happy for them," said Pipe. "He ran well in the Sussex National last time and he's improved from that here.

"He came over from France and sometimes these horses can take a while to settle in, we've learnt a bit more about him with every run and he seems to be getting better.

"We'll see what the handicapper does but I imagine we'll look at more of these types of races. Fergus and Judith picked him out and claimed him – they would've loved that."

El Paso Wood could look to complete a rare West Country double with the Devon National, at Exeter, on February 25 one potential next option.

Aintree aim

The Grade 2 mares' bumper at the Grand National meeting could be on the horizon for the Milton Harris-trained Rosy Redrum after she finished strongly to land the finale.

The 4-1 shot cruised into contention and kicked on to beat Twin Power by a length and a quarter, denying Paul Nicholls a century for the season at his local track.

Harris said: "She's always been nice. We've been patient with her and were debating whether to start her off in a Listed race but we did the right thing as we won here.

"She's a good filly, we'll talk about where we want to go next but I suspect, like everybody else with this type of horse, we'll be working our way back from the Aintree bumper. That looks the obvious place."

Moore magic

A double on the day boosted Gary Moore's weekly tally to five, just in time for stable ace Goshen's reappearance at Lingfield.

Moore – who will be busy at Lingfield's Winter Million meeting and at Ascot on Saturday – trained Imphal to land the 3m½f handicap hurdle before front-running Eragon De Chanay held on for a narrow win in the 3m1f novice handicap chase.

The trainer said: "You get a bit complacent thinking everything will win all the time, overconfident, so I'm sure in a minute it'll go out with a bang. I hope it doesn't, it'd be nice if it lasts.

"Imphal was getting a lot of weight against some older rivals so we thought he'd have a good chance. He might have a break now and come back for the [Challenger Stayers Hurdle Series] Final in April."

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