Mac Tottie (8-1) gave trainer Peter Bowen a record-equalling fifth victory in the Randox Topham Handicap Chase under his son Sean on the second day of the 2022 Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse.
The Bowen family have a wonderful record over the Grand National fences. And Mac Tottie had also scored over the fearsome Aintree obstacles in the Grand Sefton Chase in November, under another of Peter's sons James.
And the eight-year-old showed his liking for the fences – despite falling in the Becher in December – as he travelled well off the leaders and jumped superbly. As they crossed the Melling Road Sean Bowen had Mac Tottie cruising in behind the lead which had been held by Janika for a long time.
As Janika tired over the last Mac Tottie took over. But Irish raiders – Ted Walsh's Batcio (25-1) and Willie Mullins' Annamix (50-1) – tried to close in on the run-in. But Mac Tottie just carried on galloping all the way to the line to win by four-and-a-quarter-lengths from Batcio. Annamix was six lengths back in third with another Bowen runner Francky Du Berlais – under Brendan Powell – coming home fourth.
Trainer Bowen added to the triumphs of Dunbrody illar (2007) and treble star Always Waining (2010-2012) to join Nicky Henderson on five victories – but it was a first success for his son.
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Bowen senior said: "He loves those fences and loves that ground, so everything was just right for him.
"This has been the plan since the Grand Sefton really. He went off the boil a bit after he had that fall in the Becher, but he came back spot-on for today.
"I don't know what it is about this place, but I love it anyway. That's our fifth Topham and we could do with a National now!
"We loose school our horses at home and I think that helps them and makes them more accurate at their fences. This horse had a loose school session two days ago and was brilliant."
Mac Tottie had been entered for this year's Grand National but his low handicap mark meant he was never likely to make the cut for the big one.
But whether he could be a contender for the world's greatest steeplechase in future, the Welsh trainer added: "If he gets the trip, that would be the question.
"We'll have a look at what happens next year, maybe he'll have a go at it.
"There's no reason why he wouldn't stay – he's bred to. Fingers crossed."
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An emotional Sean Bowen got off Mac Tottie in the winner's enclosure to say: "I have to say, when dad wants to get one ready he really does the job. This is the fifth time he's won it.
"James (Bowen, brother) schooled him the other day and he was beaming, he was so pleased. I'm so lucky that I got on him. It's unbelievable. I can't talk.
"To do it for your family is just different. Riding for your family, you can't put into words how much different it is, doing it for your mum and dad is just different.
"I nearly got brought down at the first, but he soon got into a rhythm and really came alive after the Canal Turn. He was running away, and has gone on to win really well."
Walsh – who will saddle last year's third and one of the favourites Any Second Now in the National – said of Batcio: "He's run great, right up to his mark and maybe above it."
Annamix was ridden by Danny Mullins and the jockey added: "He really took to the fences and they brought back that spark that was possibly missing in him earlier in the season.
"He enjoyed it, and I hope it might rejuvenate him as well as opening up some other options."
