Quick Wave (18-1) won the Betfred Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Haydock Park on Saturday afternoon and enhanced her Randox Grand National credentials.
The Venetia Williams-trained 10-year-old mare was one of only four horses of the 15 to line-up at Haydock who also held an entry in this year's Aintree marathon. And despite being pulled up under Charlie Deustch in the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow over Christmas she bounced back with a fine battling three-quarters-of-a-length victory over fellow mare, the gallant Snow Leopardess (16-1). Another Grand National entrant and Williams' stable-mate Cloudy Glen (28-1) was a further nine-and-a-half lengths further back in third, having had a battle up front with Snow Leopardess for much of the 3m4f contest.
This time under Harry Bannister – son of Haydock Park chairman Nick Bannister – Quick Wave put down a marker for the Grand National.
