'It's incredible' - another big pot for Skeltons as Ashtown Lad lands Becher

Saturday: Aintree

Dan Skelton landed a major prize for the third Saturday in a row as Ashtown Lad stuck on gamely to provide the trainer with a first win over the National fences in the BoyleSports Becher Chase.

Skelton's wonderful winter continued as Ashtown Lad followed up the powerful stable's significant successes last month with Protektorat in the Betfair Chase and Le Milos in the Coral Gold Cup.

Tackling the National course for the first time, the well-backed Darren and Annaley Yates-owned 5-1 winner looked an old hand over the famous fences under Harry Skelton as he fended off the late challenge of 4-1 favourite Gesskille on the run-in.

"He has to have space, if you get him crowded he can just curl up on you a little bit," said the winning trainer. "I think that stems from him being a young horse and perhaps today is the beginning of him becoming a man.

"Harry got him in a great position and he jumped beautifully, and this is both of our first winners over these fences. Sometimes it just feels like it isn't going to happen, and it almost went too well and I thought we might be vulnerable as that run-in is so long, but luckily we weren't caught."

Ashtown Lad was handed first-show quotes of 33-1 for next year's Randox Grand National, a race close to his locally based owner's heart.

"Darren harbours a serious interest in the National, whether a winner over the National fences increases that desire or diminishes it – I don't think it'll diminish it," Skelton said.

"We just have to think very hard about the trip as he didn't stay in last season's Scottish National and this three-mile-two is probably more like it, but who's to say he won't get it better in time. He obviously loves the fences and that's vital."

Yates, who won over £500,000 betting on Frankie Dettori's magnificent seven in 1996, has invested heavily in the sport and was thrilled with the victory.

"I can't believe it. Honestly, I think that tops the Frankie day," he said. "When you own one it's just incredible. I've not been moved by a win like that, it was special. I've just won the Becher – it's absolutely amazing."

On his remarkable run of big Saturday success, Skelton said: "I know he was expected to win, but you can't leave out Nube Negra as well [Shloer Chase at Cheltenham]. It's been an absolutely incredible month and I'm so proud of the team. I just steer the ship and there are so many people who go into this. It'll come to an end, but while it's not, we'll enjoy it."

Instant impression

Dixon Cove showed a tremendous attitude to land the Listed fillies' juvenile hurdle on just her second start in Britain.

Trained by Paul Nicholls for owners John White and Anne Underhill, the French recruit pulled out all the stops to get up by a length and a quarter.

Dixon Cove (far side) en route to winning the Listed fillies' juvenile hurdleCredit: John Grossick

White said: "She's a lovely prospect for the future and it's all stepping stones to probably going chasing at some point. She battled and you can't ask more than that."

Dixon Cove, a wide-margin winner at Hereford last month, was introduced into the betting for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at 20-1 by Paddy Power and Betfair Sportsbook following the gutsy victory.

Nicholls' pupil assistant Conor Houlihan said: "She's a really tough filly, who showed grit and determination to get through the line. She's won a Listed race and the future is bright with her."

Strong performance

Olly Murphy is inclined to take it steady with Strong Leader despite the five-year-old's impressive victory in the 2m1f novice hurdle.

Carrying the colours of the Welfordgolf Syndicate, Strong Leader was penalised for last month's hurdles debut win at Uttoxeter but he proved a class apart as he cruised home under Sean Bowen to win by eight lengths.

"He's a horse we've always liked and his bumper form is strong and he's going in the right direction," said Murphy. "We might not go into Graded company just yet as he's a horse who is going to improve for his next couple of runs. Jumping hasn't come naturally at all, but he was a lot more professional.

"We'll maybe save a fancier target for the spring and he definitely wouldn't want very heavy ground. We could look at Tolworth if the ground wasn't really soft but it normally is."

Results, replays and analysis

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