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

Ciaran Gethings just manages to cling on to Hometown Boy at the last
Ciaran Gethings just manages to cling on to Hometown Boy at the lastCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

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 year
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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