By Andrew Atkinson
Charlie Longsdon saddled nine-year-old Snow Leopardess to a career biggest win, when landing the Grade 3 Becher Chase at Aintree, with 22 runners going to post with a nose verdict from Hill Sixteen.
“I would’ve been absolutely sick if we had got beat – because I went from having the best fun in my life, to possibly not winning,” said winning jockey Aidan Coleman.
“It was very breezy and open from the back of the last and she just wanted company – the poor thing.
“She really deserves it – fair play to Charlie and the owners. It’s great and for her especially, she’s finally got a good prize,” added Coleman.
“She jumped beautifully. It’s been the plan for a long time and I’m lost for words,” said Longsdon.
“She’s been a very special mare – winning in England, Ireland and France.
“I know the owner is wary of the Grand National, with 40 runners in the field. It’s the obvious route and she’ll have an entry, and it’ll be watch this space,” added Longsdon.
Kimberlite Candy (11-1) tipped each-way by fromthehorsesmouth.info finished seventh, with Skybet paying seven places.
Landofsmiles (11-1) tipped each-way finished second in the Unibet Novices Hurdle over 3m.
Bombs Away (5-4f) tipped by fromthehorsesmouth.info was beaten a neck in a photo finish by North Lodge (14-1).
Tom Lacey trained Pounding Poet (11-2) tipped each-way finished second in the C2 Unibet Handicap Hurdle over 2m 4f.
