Replay - Vic Venturi wins Becher Chase

Vic Venturi overhauled long-time leader Hello Bud to claim victory in the Becher Chase over the Grand National fences at Aintree on Sunday.

The 7-1 shot, riden by Paddy Flood, hit the front before the final jump and came home ahead of Keenan's Future in second with Royal Rosa third.

It was a second Becher success in as many years for Dessie Hughes after Black Apalachi's triumph in 2008.

Vic Venturi is now rated at 25-1 to win the National in April next year.

Hello Bud, the 10-3 favourite, took the lead after his stablemate -the early pacesetter Irish Raptor - had fallen at the second.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained horse, with Paddy Brennan on board, was pushed by Palypso De Creek for the much of the three-and-a-quarter mile contest but, despite some inconsistent jumping, held the lead until the second-last.

From there, Vic Venturi, ridden with restraint for much of the race, began to push the leaders and, after safely negotiating the final obstacle, asserted himself on the rest.

He passed the post five lengths ahead of Keenan's Future, with Royal Rosa staying on late in the day to take third.

There is only one race for him now and the Grand National will be the target Dessy Hughes

"All we were worried about was the jumps, but he took to it like a duck to water," said jockey Flood.

"There wasn't much riding. All I had to do was steer and push him."

Hughes added: "I am very pleased with that as I was a little afraid of the weight, but he stays and Paddy was very good on him.

"There is only one race for him now and the Grand National will be the target.

"He may have a run over hurdles after Christmas to keep him ticking over and he'll then go for the Bobbyjo Chase once the National weights have come out.

"We'll have to come back for the National and Black Apalachi will also be back."

Becher Chase Aintree

1 Vic Venturi (P W Flood) 7-1
2 Keenan's Future (J M Maguire) 5-1
3 Royal Rosa (Denis O'Regan) 6-1
8 ran

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