THE sight of two former Grand National winners running so well back on their old stomping ground at Aintree Racecourse warmed the heart.
The more athletic limbs of the younger brigade may have ultimately outpaced both Amberleigh House and Bindaree over the 'inadequate' three miles and three furlongs of Sunday's Becher Chase, but there was much encouragement from the races run by the veterans.
A blanket could have been thrown over the first half-dozen horses as they cleared the final fence, and Cholmondeley trainer Ginger McCain is entitled to feel delighted with the performance of his horse. His jockey Graham Lee thought - as did many watchers - that the old boy might win it as he sailed over the penultimate obstacle.
Nigel Twiston-Davies, who had suggested retirement could be the option for Bindaree had he not run well, was pleased too. Appropriate that the 11-year-old should prosper, as he was the horse that persuaded the trainer not to retire himself when he won the 2002 Grand National.
Less lucky were the connections of Forest Gunner, trained at Tarporley by Richard Ford. The horse came down under young jockey Nina Carberry at the third fence.
The next big staying steeplechase this season is Saturday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, and two horses that won on the same day at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse 13 months ago may clash.
Comply Or Die will represent Champion Trainer Martin Pipe. He's well fancied and is one of four possibles from the stables of Paul Nicholls - Colourful Life.
The last racing of 2005 at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse is on Wednesday , December 14, when the feature race is the £12,000 Alfa Aggregate Handicap Hurdle. More information is available on website www.BangorOnDeeRaces.co.uk or contact 01978 780323.
