04.04.08 - THE GRAND NATIONAL, RACING AT AINTREE

GWANAKO DANCES ROUND FOR JUBILANT WALSH

Ruby Walsh rode his second winner on day two of the John Smith's Grand National meeting when Gwanako landed the John Smith's Topham Chase.
 
Only five, Gwanako gave a superb demonstration of accurate jumping and Walsh was able to ease down on the run-in.
 
Walsh said: "He danced round there. He was fantastic all the way. Those fences are wonderful when you're having a good ride. They are unique, and this horse gave me a great ride from start to finish."
 
"He's a very inexperienced horse but he's a wonderful jumper. I was only aware of Irish Raptor when I was pulling up - I always knew I had him."
 
RUNNER-UP RAPTOR
 
Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of runner-up Irish Raptor, entered the nine-year-old in the John Smith's Grand National, but the horse failed to make the cut - the Gloucestershire trainer still has four contenders.
 
Irish Raptor was prominent for a long way, and while brushed aside by Gwanako at the last fence, he rallied impressively and was just a neck down at the line.
 
Twiston-Davies said: "He was really good. He's a stayer and it's a shame we couldn't get him into the National. Next year that is definitely the plan, but that's probably it for this season."