'What a special mare' - Aintree on agenda again for popular grey Snow Leopardess

Sunday: Exeter

A tilt at Grand National glory will be the next chapter in the remarkable story of Snow Leopardess after the popular mare picked up more big-race success with an impressive victory in the Listed 3m mares' chase.

Having had a foal when absent from the track for more than two years, the striking grey put up a brave performance in the Becher Chase last time and added more black type to her glittering career with a 12-length win under Johnny Burke for a perfect Aintree prep run.

"She's got the job done," said winning trainer Charlie Longsdon. "It didn't look too pretty for the first half of the race, but she really got going under Johnny turning into the home straight and won quite comfortably in the end.

"That [the Grand National] is the plan now and that's where we all want to go. We'd like slow ground for her, but she has won a Grade 2 on good ground. The road will lead that way for the time being."

Charlie Longsdon: hailed his special mare Snow LeopardessCredit: Alex Davidson (Getty Images)

Her success all but guarantees her a place in the Grand National field, but Longsdon was keen to pay tribute to Snow Leopardess's achievements already rather than focus on the big race in April.

He added: "We've never hidden the fact of what a special mare she is for ourselves, the owners and everyone associated with her. Just the story behind her coming back from all those years off and thriving makes her a great mare."

Constance cut

Lac De Constance was cut to 20-1 (from 33) by Paddy Power for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle following his gritty win in the 2m½f Listed novice hurdle, but winning jockey Harry Skelton was cool on that race following his two and three-quarter-length success.

He told Racing TV: "That was very important. He's only a baby so we're minding him for a bit. Hopefully he can be very good one day."

Stylish Lady

Emmpressive Lady could be set for the Cheltenham Festival after backing up her Kempton win over Christmas with a stylish success in the 2m7f Pertemps Final qualifier.

Results, replays and analysis

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