Happy Days for favourite backers up north

The Eoin Doyle trained The Winkler survived a blunder at the third last fence when justifying even money favouritism to win the Toals Bookmakers Aintree Chat After The Last Race Beginners Chase at Downpatrick today.

Ridden by Donagh Meyler, the son of Medaaly was chasing the leaders when making his error but was soon back on an even keel, and in the end comfortably beat Aminabad by nine and a half lengths.

Doyle wasn't present but afterwards a relieved Meyler said “it was nearly game over (at the third last) but he deserved that and today was his National.

"He picked them up after a bad mistake three out and did it well in the end.

"It has been a good season so far and Tony (Martin, trainer) has been very good to me."

The Winkler, bought by connections (trainer Doyle and owner Dunphy) to replace their 16-times winner The Fonze, was himself recording his fourth career success.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Michael Graham