Mountainous reclaims Welsh Grand National

Mountainous reclaimed the Coral Welsh Grand National in gruelling conditions at Chepstow.

Trained by Richard Lee two years ago, he is now in the care of Lee's daughter, Kerry, who has made a tremendous start to her career.

The 11-year-old was always prominent in the hands of Jamie Moore, who was content to let Saroque and Bob Ford set the pace.

One by one the contenders drifted away, with Upswing pulled up early and last year’s winner Emperor’s Choice making a mistake early on the second circuit and also pulled up.

When Bob Ford fell in the home straight Mountainous (9-1), racing off a 5lb-lower mark than two years ago, just relentlessly carried on galloping.

Firebird Flyer stayed on for second, beaten two and three-quarter lengths, with Shotgun Paddy third and Saroque fourth.

“I’m absolutely dumbstruck,” said Lee. “I was watching in disbelief, what a horse.

“I knew he was very well this season and Jamie gave him a brilliant ride.

“A lot of work went into this horse at home as he lost his way last year, I’m delighted.”

She added: “It means a huge amount, it puts you on the map.

“He’s the most fantastic horse and we’ve got the most brilliant team at home.”

Moore said: “He travelled very well, he’s the first since Bonanza Boy to be a dual winner so credit to Kerry, she got him in very good form.

“These conditions are perfect for him.”

Lee pointed to the Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree as the major target.

She said: “So much work has gone into this horse at home, we’ve got the most fantastic team at home. The horse, Jamie — everyone has been brilliant haven’t they?

“He’s really been nurtured at home, we’ve looked after him so well. We don’t over-race him, he really enjoys the facilities we’ve got at home and the way he’s trained, the variety that we give them.

“The thing is to keep him sweet, to keep him fresh and keep the variety going.

“I think the Grand National has to be his target now this season, he really enjoys soft ground and this kind of trip, so it has to be on the cards.”