Replay - Notre Pere storms to Welsh National win Notre Pere stayed on superbly to become the first Irish-trained winner of the Welsh National at Chepstow. The 16-1 chance, trained by Jim Dreaper and ridden by Andrew Lynch, moved into contention alongside Sherwoods Folly and Officier de Reserve three out. Notre Pere took a decisive lead with two to go and powered on to victory. Paul Nicholls' Cornish Sett held off the 2006 winner and last year's runner-up Halcon Genelardais for second with Officier de Reserve back in fourth.  | 606: DEBATE |
The winner, who finished third in the Irish Grand National in March, showed his stamina once again and overcame a minor mistake at the third last to power on. His trainer Jim Dreaper, whose father Tom trained the legendary Arkle, told BBC Sport he was delighted with his horse's effort. "We thought he was not good enough to have a go at the best horses at level weights, which I still believe," he said. "This was the option over Christmas - a handicap - and he won a good one at Navan last time. He had to improve from Navan and he did. "He's a good old-fashioned horse - he's not too quick, but he's honest."  Once Lynch took the lead on Notre Pere they dominated |
Although the seven-year-old was cut in price to 14-1 for next April's Grand National, Dreaper said he would prefer not to run him at Aintree. "If I had my way, he wouldn't run because he's only eight (next year)," he added. "Maybe if we are all around in a couple of years' time, but probably not now." However he revealed that the horse will hold an entry in the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in case the ground comes up very soft. A jubilant Lynch added: "It was unbelievable. I came here thinking he would run well and he did a lot better than we thought. "If he was going to win another handicap it was today. This is great and I'd like to thank the owners and trainer for sticking by me." Last year's winner Miko De Beauchene fell at the second fence with jockey Andrew Thornton giving up his rides for the remainder of the day.
Welsh National (Chepstow)
1. Notre Pere (A E Lynch) 16-1
2. Cornish Sett (Nick Scholfield) 25-1
3. Halcon Genelardais (W Hutchinson) 10-1
4. Officier De Reserve (R Walsh) 13-2
20 ran
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