Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
AIN’T LIFE GRAND
Stepper springs a big surprise
SMOOTH STEPPER stayed on through the Haydock mud to spring a surprise in the Unibet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase. Alex Hales’ veteran was the 33-1 outsider of the 10-strong field yet as others wilted in the extreme stamina test over an extended three and a half miles, Harry Bannister conjured a late surge after the last as the bottom weight outdid long-time leader Lord Du Mesnil.
Smooth Stepper, who does not have a Grand National entry, then held off the runner-up’s rally to win by a length and a half – with another 19 back to 11-4 favourite Yala Enki in third.
A jubilant Hales said: “It’s a huge win for us. We’ve had a great season and this is just the icing on the cake. It’s brilliant for everyone at home who work tirelessly.
“We just felt the horse has always wanted a step up in trip and I felt he was well handicapped. We thought we’d take a chance off a low weight – and it’s worked out.
“There was a bit of optimism coming here. He was in good order at home and there is no way we thought we were just here for the day out.”
On future plans for the 11-yearold, the Northamptonshire trainer added: “He’ll certainly have an entry in the Midlands National. We’ll have a look at it but we’ll enjoy today – it’s the biggest win of my training career.
“This is our 20th winner of the season and we’ve only got 25 horses in. They’ve just been healthy - we haven’t done anything different.”
Bannister was banned for four days for using his whip above the permitted level from the third-last fence.
One For Arthur, winner of the 2017 Grand National, was reported to be suffering fibrillating heart after being pulled up.