Bindaree claims the Welsh National
CHEPSTOW,Wales (Reuters) -- Bindaree, Aintree Grand National winner in 2002, galloped through the mud to land the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow.
It was Bindaree's first success in 10 races since his Aintree win 20 months ago.
Ridden by Welshman Carl Llewellyn, the 10-1 chance battled to a half-length victory over 2-1 favorite Sir Rembrandt in a three miles five furlongs (5.8 km) test of stamina run in driving rain
Irish raider Hedgehunter, a 7-2 chance, was third.
Bindaree's task was made easier when two of his main rivals, who were disputing the lead four fences out, both fell, leaving him to fight it out with Sir Rembrandt, the mount of Andrew Thornton.
Winning trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies said: "He seems a different horse this season, like when he won the Grand National. If Bindaree is well, he'll go back to Aintree next April."
Bookmakers rate Bindaree a 20-1 chance to repeat his 2002 success.
Llewellyn is the first Welsh jockey to win the Welsh National since 1956, when victory went to Dick Francis, later to become a highly successful thriller writer.
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