Potters Corner digs deep to win gruelling Midlands National

Potters Corner was cut to 33-1 (from 66) for the Randox Health Grand National by Paddy Power after getting the better of a protracted battle with 2018 National Hunt Chase runner-up Ms Parfois to claim the spoils in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter.

The nine-year-old had fallen on his previous two starts – including in the Eider at Newcastle on his last appearance – but, with James Bowen again in the saddle, was foot-perfect on this occasion, putting in a neat leap at the final fence. He held the rallying Ms Parfois to win by three lengths.

The winner was a third in two days for Christian Williams, after the in-form trainer enjoyed a double at Fakenham on Friday.

Bowen said: "He's done it well in the end – I thought he was almost travelling too well throughout the race if I'm honest.

"He was always just a bit on it throughout, but he's stuck on really well in the end."

This was a much improved jumping performance from the 20-1 shot and Bowen added: "I was asking him for too much at his fences in the Eider last time. He's not a big horse so at the last I let him take an extra step and get himself over.

"He has a lot of heart and he's done great."

The pair pulled well clear of third-placed Get On The Yager, with Prime Venture in fourth.

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