'Fear kept me on' - favourite Hometown Boy survives major error to win

Ciaran Gethings said "only fear kept me on" as Hometown Boy recovered from a juddering mistake at the last to provide trainer Stuart Edmunds with his second winner in a row at the Grand National meeting.

Gethings looked well in command on the Garratt family-owned 6-1 favourite approaching the final flight in the Grade 3 handicap hurdle over 3m½f, but Hometown Boy went down on his nose at the last and his jockey did brilliantly to defy gravity.

"He was just looking around a bit, but fair play to him for finding a leg," the winning jockey said. "That just proves how well he's won because if he'd been a tired horse, he would have fallen. He's a proper animal."

Edmunds made it two wins in two races at Aintree following Rowland Ward's victory in the concluding 2m½f handicap hurdle on Friday.

"It's just unbelievable," said Edmunds. "He's a very brave horse who would run through a brick wall for you. Going over three miles was a little bit of a gamble as he's a bit of a free-goer, but he lasted it out very well. He'll be a nice novice chaser for next season."

Hometown Boy capped a good few days for sire Curtain Time after following up Freewheelin Dylan's 150-1 success in the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday.

Bailey happy to dream of next year's National

Happygolucky won the 3m1f Grade 3 handicap chase preceding the Grand National in a style that inspired dreams of the big race itself in 12 months time for his trainer.

After the 11-4 favourite's ready success under David Bass, Kim Bailey – who won the National with Mr Frisk in 1990 – said: "It would be nice if he could come back this time next year – an hour later.

Happygolucky: won over the Mildmay fences but could be set for a spin over the National ones next yearCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"He could progress. He jumps so well and he's a professional little racehorse. He wouldn't be the biggest but he's a very athletic individual, the way he jumps and handles himself is extraordinary."

Happygolucky had finished second to the revitalised Vintage Clouds at Cheltenham and Bailey added: "We came across a horse that was primed, had a wind operation and cheekpieces the first time – we were beaten fair and square, although we were staggered we did get beaten."

Results, replays and analysis

Read more Aintree Saturday reports:

Thyme Hill edges out Roksana in thrilling finish to give Tom O'Brien big win

Laid-back Shishkin completes 'pretty flawless season' with 1-8 success

My Drogo strolls to Grade 1 success for Dan and Harry Skelton

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