Vieux Lion Rouge roars to a famous second Becher Handicap win at Aintree

VIEUX Lion Rouge rolled back the years to win the William Hill Becher Handicap Chase for a second time at Aintree and extend a modern-day record over the unique Grand National fences.

Successful in 2016, the 11-year-old was making his fifth consecutive appearance in the race and ninth overall over the famous fences.

Owned by Professor Caroline Tisdall and John Gent, Vieux Lion Rouge – the English translation is Old Red Lion – has jumped 223 Aintree fences without mishap.

Jumping into the lead at the second-last in the hands of Conor O’Farrell after Tom Scudamore opted for stablemate Ramses De Teillee who was let down by his jumping, the David Pipe-trained veteran galloped away from the opposition to land the spoils by 24 lengths.

Kimberlite Candy was second for the second year running, with Le Breuil four and three-quarter lengths away in third place.

There was drama from the outset, with Yala Enki falling at the first and Walk In The Mill – winner for the last two years – exiting at the Chair along with Coo Star Sivola, while Minellacelebration stumbled and unseated Ben Poste as the the field was about to set off on its second circuit.

The well-fancied Le Breuil led for some way, but a bad mistake four out did not help his cause as Vieux Lion Rouge made his way into contention and victory.

O’Farrell, a jockey who has moved to the North to further his career, said: “That was super. He’s an old star who knows his way around here and is brilliant over those fences.

“There was plenty of pace today, so we took our time and let him get into a rhythm and he saw it out very well.

“There was a lot going on, but the course is wide enough and you can give yourself light everywhere if you want to.

“He has a fair record over these fences and to win this race for a second time, at his age, is fantastic.

“I’m delighted for David and for Caroline (Tisdall, part-owner) as well. I spoke to her beforehand and all she said was ‘make sure you both come back safely’.”

Vieux Lion Rouge was given a quote of 50-1 for the Randox Health Grand National. Speaking from home, Pipe said: “What a horse over those fences. Jumping is the name of the game and it’s a great effort by the team.

“He’s dropped a few pounds in the handicap, the rain came and I thought he was in good form. I said to Conor this morning and said ‘he’ll take you round there, just take your time and creep into it’.

“Conor rode him to win a veterans’ chase last year and used to work here (Pond House). He’s obviously based up north now, but when Tom (Scudamore) chose Ramses De Teillee (finished seventh), Conor was the obvious choice.

“I believe the horse has now jumped 223 fences around the National course at Aintree – he seems to light up for the occasion and his record is second to none. He’s like Fred Astaire around there!

“He doesn’t seem to stay the Grand National trip and I didn’t think he’d even get into the race before today, but now he might. He’s in the Welsh Grand National and is also qualified for the veterans’ final at Sandown as well, so possibly one of those two races might be his next target.”

Meanwhile, Harry Skelton stole the show at Sandown with a landmark Grade One double – first making all on his brother Dan’s Allmankind in the Henry VIII Novices Chase and then doing the same aboard Politologue in the feature Tingle Creek Chase for Paul Nicholls.

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