Favourite Hello Bud wins Becher Chase

Hello Bud improved his Grand National credentials with victory in the Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree.

The 15-2 favourite, ridden by trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies's son Sam, won by a length and a quarter from Royal Rosa, with One Cool Cookie third.

"Hello Bud is made for these fences and we will come back and have another try at the National in the spring," said Twiston-Davies senior.

Ballyvesey finished fourth and top-weight Notre Pere was fifth.

The winner's stablemate Irish Raptor was sixth and Au Courant came last of the seven finishers. Last season's Scottish Grand National winner Merigo fell at the 11th fence in the race which is run over the Aintree Grand National course.

606: DEBATE What do you think of Hello Bud's National chances?

"What an excitement that was, I thought we were going have a one-two but Irish Raptor made that mistake at the second-last," added the trainer.

Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies said: "He jumped from fence to fence and travelled like a superstar. When Ballyvesey passed me I just tried to save a little bit turning for home and save the stick for as long as possible."

The Grand National odds for Hello Bud, who finished fifth in last year's race, have shrunk from about 50-1 down to 25-1 with some bookmakers.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version