Sandy Thomson's Dingo Dollar (12-1) ran out a fine winner of the Jewson Vieux Lion Rouge Veterans’ Handicap Chase (Leg 8 Of The Veterans’ Chase Series) at Aintree Racecourse.
As racing returned to the home of the Randox Grand National the 10-year-old returned to Aintree and had a much happier time than his last visit in the world's greatest steeplechase back in April.
Dingo Dollar unseated his regular partner, Grand National-winning rider Ryan Mania, at the Canal Turn on the second circuit in the Aintree showpiece last season. But he returned to Aintree, this time over the Mildmay fences, to land a comfortable eight-and-a-half lengths success over last year's Veterans' Chase winner Wishing And Hoping (7-1). Sir Ivan (9-1) was a further three lengths back in third.
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A second tilt at the Scottish Grand National could be long-term target for Dingo Dollar but he may be aimed at more of the races in the Veterans' Chase series, including one at Aintree's sister Merseyside track of Haydock Park.
Dingo Dollar had been third in the Ayr marathon in 2021 for Thomson and is a real dour stayer and that stamina was in evidence in his latest win. Under the deputising O'Farrell, in for the currently sidelined Mania, he looked an unlikely winner as they turned for home. He was well behind the front-running Wishing And Hoping who had built up a big lead, But the leader tired between the final two fences, and Dingo Dollar began to motor. He went to land a easy success.
Scottish trainer Thomson said: "They've just gone too quick in front and it turned into a staying contest, which is what he wants.
"He used to have to bowl along in front, but now he's quite happy to sit in and Conor gave him a brilliant ride - he bided his time and hoped they'd stop, which they did.
"The Scottish National would be a target at the end of the season, although today isn't going to help his handicap mark obviously.
"He's been a star ever since we've had him. We decided to go for the National last year and it messed up his season completely so there's no plans to go for the National this year.
"Being his age we'll just find what races we can. There's a veterans' chase at Haydock that might be a plan and we might look at the Veterans' Final – you have to with the sort of money that's on offer."
Honor Grey (9-1) took the opener on Halloween Family Day, the Jewson Click And Collect Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle in good style under Luca Morgan.
The Ben Pauling-trained seven-year-old had progressed well last season, claiming back-to-back victories at Ffos Las and Southwell in March and April. He also ran well enough in third at Worcester on his final start in May and built on that with victory on his seasonal return.
With blinkers fitted, Honor Grey jumped well throughout and came through to take the lead on the turn for home from Tiger Jet (5-1). He appeared to be cruising under Morgan but having initially looked like winning by a wide margin, he tired slightly on the run-in to allow Glimpse Of Gala (6-1) a chance. But although the eventual runner-up finished well he was a never nearer three-quarters-of-a-length behind Honor Grey at the line. Ask A Honey Bee (22-1) was a further three-and-three-quarters-of-a-length adrift in third with Tiger Jet tiring and coming 23 lengths back in fourth.
Winning jockey Morgan said: "We normally ride him right up there, second or third and the first half mile of the race was really messy and we were a bit further back than planned. But it didn't seem to matter too much to him.
"He travelled great. He wasn't that confident in his jumping and they (the blinkers) just seemed to have sharpened him up. Kielan (Woods) had ridden him and he said to me, he will be sharper on the track with the blinkers on. He was right, he jumped great, travelled great so I am delighted."
Mahons Glory (14-1), under Charlie Hammond, got the better of Heezer Geezer (4-1) to win the Jewson Wallasey Handicap Hurdle.
Grand National-winning trainer Dr Richard Newland said: "That was really good and we didn't really expect it as I felt the horse would need the run a bit, like most of mine at the moment.
"There's a few quirks in there, but he has a lot of ability. He's not the easiest horse to keep sound and that is probably the challenge, but there's no doubting he's got an engine."
Kinondo Kwetu landed a sixth straight win in the Jewson Wigan, Victoria Street Novices' Limited Handicap Chase for the husband and wife team of Jonathan and Sam England.
After winning at Uttoxeter just nine days ago, the 15-8 favourite quickened to beat Your Own Story by a length and a quarter.
Winning rider Jonathan England said: "I think today was definitely his best performance. The handicapper put him up 8lb for winning at Uttoxeter and he's really had to dig in.
"It's tiring enough ground and he probably wouldn't want the extremes in the middle of the winter, so if it means minding him now for a nice target in the spring, that might be an option.
"At the same time we don't want to stop with a horse that in good form, so we'll see."
Harry Fry's Credrojava (15-8 favourite) won the finale at Aintree, the Siniat EBF Mares' Open National Hunt Flat Race.
Winning hockey Jonathan Burke said of Credrojava's success: "She probably over-raced a fraction and that's why I let her go to the front a long way from home because I thought if I let her go, I'd let her fill, whereas where I was I was only going to get in a fight.
"From the top of the home straight I was able to let her stretch and she kept finding. The winning margin closed because she was idling more than anything.
"She's got a bit of class. Harry's got a good record in this bumper and they've all stepped up in grade."
