Tim Vaughan continued his excellent end-of-season form as Beshabar turned in a fine round of jumping from the front to clinch the Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
The trainer’s profile has steadily risen through the past few seasons, although big-race victories have proved elusive – until recently.
However, after a couple of near-misses at the Cheltenham Festival, including with Beshabar in the National Hunt Chase, Vaughan secured his first Grade One victory at Aintree last week and kept the ball rolling in Scotland on Saturday.
Chicago Grey was Beshabar’s Cheltenham conqueror, but the grey was unable to land a blow from the rear this time, while 15-2 chance Beshabar poured it on from the front under Richard Johnson.
Last year’s winner Merigo was another always handily placed and the two of them turned into the home straight for the final time clear of the rest, with Always Right the only other horse within striking distance.
The trio settled down to fight it out and it was Beshabar who emerged triumphant, with the rallying Merigo three-quarters of a length away in second.
“It’s like a dream come true, we had our first Grade One winner last week at Aintree (Saint Are) and I had a big hangover then, but after winning the Scottish National, I think I’ll have a double one tomorrow!” Vaughan said.
“Richard Johnson gave him a fantastic ride, I didn’t really give him any instructions. I just told Richard we employ him because he’s as good as any jockey around.
“There is no doubt that we will aim him at the Aintree Grand National next season and all the plans through the season will be geared towards that.”
Unfortunately, as at Aintree last weekend, there were two equine fatalities in the race, with Minella Four Star and Regal Heights both reported to have suffered internal bleeding.
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