'I can't believe it; it was absolutely magic' - The Galloping Bear upsets legend

Saturday: Haydock

Well, that's one way to make a name for yourself.

Little known trainer Ben Clarke spoiled the party of one of jump racing's biggest names when The Galloping Bear clawed back chasing great Bristol De Mai on his old stamping ground in the William Hill Grand National Trial.

Bristol De Mai, the three-time Betfair Chase hero and previously unbeaten in four starts on heavy or soft ground at Haydock, looked set to raise the roof off the stands of his adopted home again, but his big weight eventually told and The Galloping Bear, in receipt of 19lb, pounced to provide the upwardly mobile Clarke with a breakthrough victory in his first season with a licence.

Carrying 11st 12lb on attritional ground, Bristol De Mai put in the bravest of displays from the front. The popular grey had seen off all his rivals entering the home straight bar the well-backed The Galloping Bear, who gradually got on top at the last fence to score under Ben Jones.

2.40 Haydock: full result and replay

Those who joined the Pricewise-inspired gamble on the winner, backed into 9-2 favourite (from 10-1 overnight), would have felt for Bristol De Mai. Even the winning trainer did.

"I'm stunned to be honest," Clarke said. "Bristol De Mai, the Haydock legend, was in front and we were bearing down on him. I can't believe it; it was absolutely magic.

"I felt really bad, like everyone. I've followed Bristol De Mai and he's an absolute legend. He gave us plenty of weight and that has been the difference."

Like everyone else, Nigel Twiston-Davies thought he was going to be celebrating another Haydock masterclass from Bristol De Mai.

"He was brilliant and we thought we'd won it," he said. "They say weight stops trains and he just gave them too much weight. There are no plans for him and we'll see what happens."

The Galloping Bear: was following up victory in the Surrey National last timeCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

While Twiston-Davies is one of the most experienced trainers around, Clarke is just starting out with 15 horses near to his former boss Anthony Honeyball in Dorset.

The 31-year-old trainer said: "I've had a licence since September and after we had a double at Sandown on Thursday, I thought I'd used up my luck for the week.

"For a small yard to come and compete on days like this is just massive for us, and to bag a big one is great. Massive thanks must go to my fiancee Sally, as she does all the work with the horse and deserves the credit."

The Galloping Bear, winner of last month's Surrey National and now four from four over fences, is not in the Grand National this year but could go for the Irish equivalent.

"We'd talked about the Midlands National, but he's had an absolute war out there and that will come too soon," said Clarke. "If you see him again this season, it will be in the Irish National. Then, next season, maybe the Becher and on to the big one at Aintree, but he is ground dependent."

Read more from Saturday's action:

Ascot Chase: This is for him' - Walsh dedicates battling Fakir D'Oudairies win to his uncle

Analysis centre: 'Class won the day' but should Fakir D'Oudairies skip Allaho Ryanair clash?'

Wincanton Saturday: 'Yes, he's quirky, but that was incredible' - Goshen delivers in Kingwell epic

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