Maggio another for the Irish

Maggio ran out a 50/1 winner of the Betfred Handicap Chase to provide another memorable Aintree moment for his owners.

James Reveley, substituting for the injured Brian Hughes, was wearing the colours of Grand National winner Auroras Encore aboard the Irish raider who handled the testing conditions far better than any of his rivals in the three mile one furlong contest.

The first two thirds of the race were uneventful, bar the odd jumping error, but the race quickly fell apart as the tempo quickened with runner after runner coming off the bridle and struggling to go forwards.

There were two notable exceptions and top-weight Virak went clear in search of a deserved success after a string of consistent performances this season.

Reveley, however, was still motionless in the saddle and easily made up the ground aboard the 11-year-old who swept past his toiling rival en route to recording a commanding success.

The winning distance was 12 lengths with Virak and third home Al Co separated by just half a length.

Reveley said: "It was quite easy for him. He loved the ground - it's really softened up.

"They went a million miles an hour early on and he appreciated just being left alone and he jumped like a buck.

"It's bad news for Brian, who took a horrible fall earlier, so speedy recovery to him.

"I used to ride the horse a long time ago and it's good to get back on him."

James Griffin, the winning trainer's son and assistant, said: "I'm gutted for Brian Hughes, but there's no better substitute than Reveley.

"He used to ride the horse some time ago, but that's the first time he's sat on him for a couple of years.

"It was awesome and it was just a shame he didn't get in the National. This was just an alternative, but I wanted to run him in the Topham.

"It wouldn't be a surprise if you didn't see him again until this day next year. The owners bought him to run in the National and that is what we were aiming for.

"I thought his chance had gone with the rain, but Reveley gave him a peach and he jumped unreal."