Hemmings joins double club

A faller at the first in the Aintree National two weeks ago, he could be spotted travelling noticeably well on the final circuit as Sam Twiston-Davies nudged him into contention.

It was Twiston-Davies’ father, Nigel, who looked to have the race won with Cogry who went clear under Jamie Bargary despite only finishing second in the West Wales National six days ago.

But as the pair duelled for the line, Vicente (9-1 joint-favourite), who was bought by Hemmings before Aintree as a replacement for the ill-fated Many Clouds, prevailed by a neck.

Hemmings, who has won three Grand Nationals at Aintree with Hedgehunter, Ballabriggs and Many Clouds, said: “Vicente only came because he fell in the big one at Aintree and he was already entered.

“Sam kept the ride because he’d won on him previously. We went with lady luck and the answer was conclusive.

“Sam might have only just got there, but that was enough!

“When they win like that it’s an excitement you can’t really explain to anyone else, it’s happening to you.

“I’m sure we’ll head back to Aintree next year but obviously I’ll listen to my trainer, if I hadn’t we wouldn’t be here today.

“This compares to winning at Aintree, anything when you have success around it always is great.”