Iwilldoit demolishes rivals at Chepstow to enter Welsh Grand National frame

Saturday: Chepstow

The Sam Thomas-trained Iwilldoit ran his opposition ragged with a 24-length victory in the 2m7½f Coral Welsh Grand National Trial, stamping his credentials for a return to Chepstow for the showpiece marathon.

The eight-year-old was having just his third start over fences, winning on his chasing debut at Kelso in 2019 before reverting to hurdles for his last three starts.

Jockey Stan Sheppard told Sky Sports Racing: "I didn't have to be in front but I was keen to get out and let him roll and do what he wanted – he jumped beautifully.

"He handled the ground very well and I imagine it will be softer for the Welsh National."

The jockey was enjoying a memorable 24 hours after landing Friday's Grade 2 Ballymore Winter Novices' Hurdle at Sandown on the Tom Lacey-trained Lossiemouth.

"That was my biggest winner by a long way, it was a massive day. I'm thankful for the opportunities I'm getting," Sheppard said.

When asked about retaining the ride on Iwilldoit in the Coral Welsh Grand National itself, he added: "That's above my pay grade but I made sure I won by as far as I could, so whoever rides him can have a bit of Christmas dinner."

Sponsors Coral reacted by trimming Iwilldoit to 14-1 (from 33-1) for the Chepstow feature on December 27.

Williams rides out claim

"I can eat a few more mince pies this Christmas," joked Lorcan Williams after securing his 75th winner and riding out his claim in the 2m7½f conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle.

The Welsh native guided the Paul Nicholls-trained Take Your Time to beat the David Pipe-stalwart Dell' Arca by two and a quarter lengths.

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