'This is a special horse' - Fakir D'Oudairies storms to second Marsh Chase win

Friday: Marsh Chase, Aintree

Joseph O'Brien's operation may be edging away from jump racing nowadays but the thoroughly likeable Fakir D'Oudairies provided another reminder of just how capable the record-breaking trainer is under both codes by landing his second successive Marsh Chase.

It was a case of no Allaho, no problem for the now four-time Grade 1 winner, who bypassed butting heads with the brilliant Ryanair Chase hero at Cheltenham to instead be primed for the race better known as the Melling Chase.

Tingle Creek runner-up Hitman forced the JP McManus-owned seven-year-old to engage top gear as the contest came to the boil approaching the second last fence.

However, the admirable battler effectively put the matter to bed before the last and sealed the deal with a spring-heeled leap under Mark Walsh.

3.30 Aintree: full result and replay

A five-and-a-half-length success at odds of 10-11 over Hitman ensured Fakir D'Oudairies joined Viking Flagship, Direct Route, Native Upmanship, Moscow Flyer and Voy Por Ustedes as back-to-back winners of the £250,000 prize.

In the process he paid a handsome compliment to the absent Allaho, who has got the better of the argument on the four occasions the pair have clashed. Fakir D'Oudairies' last five starts when not meeting Allaho have yielded form figures of 13111.

Fakir D'Oudairies ultimately drew well clear of runner-up HitmanCredit: Edward Whitaker

O'Brien said: "He's been a really great servant to us for the last number of years. He turns up and runs his race every day. Mark gave him a great ride. He had him in the perfect spot throughout. This is a special horse.

"There was a moment when I thought Hitman was going well but we got a good jump at the last and that sealed it for us. He's a good jumper and makes my job very easy."

O'Brien added: "It was probably as good a performance as he's produced. There's no doubt this was a better race than last year and I was surprised to see he was such a short price. We'll see about whether he goes to Punchestown. He doesn't owe us anything this year."

Walsh agreed with O'Brien's assessment this was a display close to the very best we've seen from Fakir D'Oudairies. Perhaps we shouldn't be totally surprised as he is still only a seven-year-old, despite the feeling he has been around for much longer than that.

"He was brilliant," said Walsh. "It was just hands and heels with a slap down the shoulder. It was probably one of his best performances."

The cool-headed 36-year-old also paid tribute to the training talents of O'Brien, who has now bagged winners at this season's Dublin Racing Festival, Cheltenham Festival and Aintree Grand National festival from a current jumps team of roughly 20 horses.

Joseph O'Brien on Fakir D'Oudairies: 'Mark had him in the perfect spot throughout and this is a special horse'Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"He's unbelievable," said Walsh. "He's just like his father and obviously does very well with his horses."

Mid-range trips have so far brought out the best in the 164-rated performer, but connections have also experimented with stepping him up in trip on a couple of occasions without success.

On whether he will be kept to distances around the 2m4f marker, O'Brien said: "We'll take it race by race but he looks like he's pretty good at two and a half miles.

"When there's a suitable opportunity at that grade and trip, we'll let him take his chance. I wouldn't rule out changing things but we'll see. This is a special week and it's great to come here and have a winner like this."

Paul Nicholls is eyeing a step up in trip next season for the plucky runner-up, who may yet have more to offer being just a six-year-old.

The champion trainer said: "I've always held Hitman in high regard, he's just been a big, weak horse. He's a work in progress. That was probably a career-best run.

"He's needed a bit of time. He'll definitely step up in trip next season which will suit him. He got beat by a very good horse today."

Sceau Royal, sent off 18-1, ran creditably on his first try beyond 2m1f, much to the delight of his trainer Alan King.

"He never lets me down," said King. "There were a lot of good horses behind him. I'm very happy with him and he got the trip."

Read more from Friday at Aintree:

'He had to fight and he jolly did' - Jonbon toughs it out to claim first Grade 1

'Horrible time' turns to triumph over the National fences again for the Bowens

James Bowen goes nuts as brother Sean storms to Topham glory

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