KAYLEY’S TEARFUL TRIUMPH

One Man owner Hales hails Melling hero Politologue

POLITOLOGUE showed true grit to lift the Grade 1 JLT Melling Chase – 20 years after owner John Hales lost One Man in the same race.

The Paul Nicholls-trained grey, sent off at 11-1 after a flat fourth in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham last month, was headed by 11-10 favourite Min as the pair jumped the final fence of the two-and-a-half-mile feature.

But Sam Twiston-davies’ mount proved the stronger stayer on the run to the winning post, fighting back determinedly to deny the Champion Chase runner-up by a neck.

Hales suffered one of his darkest days as an owner when dual King

George hero One Man, winner of the Champion Chase on his previous start, suffered a fatal fall in the 1998 Melling Chase.

“It is a happier day than 20 years ago,” said Hales (left). “He jumped for fun all the way round and it was a brilliant performance.” Nicholls, explaining the move to fit his Tingle Creek Chase winner with a hood and tongue strap, said: “He blew his brains at Cheltenham before his run.

“The hood has just helped him relax. It was a great ride by Sam and it’s great for John, as he lost One Man 20 years ago in this race.”

The triumph was Twistondavies’ first at the top level this season, and the jockey smiled: “I needed that – I’ll tell you that for free.

“I was injured for a bit – it has been a trying time – but these ones make it all worthwhile.”