Midnight River won the William Hill Handicap Chase at Aintree on Saturday afternoon, with the final race before the Grand National providing a brilliant spectacle.
The race was run over 19 fences, with some notable names in the running, including Eldorado Allen and Nassalam but it was Midnight River who won.
Eldorado Allen led the early running, from Shakem Up'Arry as Midnight River also provided some competition at the front. However, spectacular jumping from Eldorado Allen helped maintain a noticeable lead over the rest of the field.
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From a top handicap weight of 12 stone, it was a great performance from jockey Brendan Powell on board Eldorado Allen. However, having led the race for so long, it was inevitable that he would be closed down and Shakem Up'Arry led the charge over the final fences.
It was another name who surged up to the front at the end, though, with Midnight River flying over the last fence to take a lead into the final furlongs. As he crossed the line, there were celebrations from jockey Harry Skelton, winning for his brother, Dan Skelton for a second handicap win of the day for the Warwickshire based team.
The 4:15pm is the final race before the Grand National, which starts at 5:15pm. There is little to separate Delta Work, Gaillard Du Mesnil, Ain't That A Shame and Corach Rambler in the betting.
There is a prize pot of £1million on offer for the showpiece race, with the winning owner taking home over £500,000.
Aintree 4:15pm result
1. Midnight River - 15/2
2. Bowtogreatness - 12/1
3. Kinondo Kwetu - 10/1
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