AL DANCER SUCCESS IS ONE FOR WALTERS

AL DANCER battled to an emotional victory in the Grand Sefton Chase over the Grand

National fences at Aintree, four days after his owner Dai Walters and trainer Sam Thomas were involved in a helicopter crash.

It was initially thought Walters, who was reportedly unconscious and received CPR after the helicopter crashed when clipping trees in woods near Ruthlin in north Wales on Tuesday evening, had escaped serious injury along with the other passengers.

But it has since been necessary to move the 77-year-old, whose best horses have included Oscar

Whisky and who drove the opening of Ffos Las racecourse, to the Intensive Care Unit at Glan Clwyd hospital in Rhyl.

Former jockey Thomas, best known for his partnership with 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cupwinner Denman, is recuperating at the stables he operates for Walters near Cardiff.

The battling win of Al Dancer, who held off Gesskille by a nose, was the perfectly-timed tonic. James Standen, assistant-trainer to

Thomas said: ‘Sam is OK. He has been able to pop in and do evening stables last night but he’s pretty banged up to be honest. Our fingers are crossed for Dai, everyone is thinking about him.

‘Sarah (Llewellyn, Walters’ daughter) very much wants us to keep going which is what we’ll do and winners like that are what he needs really. All our thoughts are with him and his family and we’re hoping and praying for a speedy recovery.’

Winning jockey Charlie Deutsch added: ‘All my thoughts are with the Walters family. Al Dancer a wonderful horse. He’s getting on now but he’s really taken to those fences. He’s been revitalised by them and Sam has done a great job, so hopefully it’s given everyone a pick me up.’

Meanwhile at Wincanton, fans’ favourite Frodon won the 61st Badger Beer Handicap yesterday as 9-4 favourite. Ridden by Bryony Frost, the Paul Nicholls-trained 10year-old was always in a prominent position and the former King George and Ryanair Chase winner won by two-and-a-half lengths over Lord Accord off top weight.