Gavin Cromwell’s Raz De Maree won the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow under jockey James Bowen
Cromwell's 13-year-old triumphed under a brilliant ride from 16-year-old jockey James Bowen as Cromwell's stayer went one better than last year having finished second behind Native River 12 months ago
RAZ DE MAREE proved age is just a number as he held off all his challengers to win a gruelling renewal of the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow on Saturday.
Gavin Cromwell's 13-year-old found the pace too hot at the beginning of the race but was gradually nursed into it by young jockey James Bowen.
Nearing the last it was the two 13-year-old's, Raz De Maree (16-1) and Alfie Spinner (33-1) who were fighting out the finish.
Raz De Maree was not giving up and galloped on strongly to the line to win the feature, having finished second in the race behind Native River last year.
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Final Nudge came home third at 12-1 with 7-1 favourite Vintage Clouds in fourth.
Cromwell told At The Races: "He gave him a peach of a ride.
"He was flat to the boards down the back, but he didn't panic and he stayed on. This is fantastic, just brilliant."
Cromwell added: "He's the oldest horse since the war apparently and only the second Irish winner, it's fantastic.
"He's such a pleasure to have, it's fantastic. He's only a small horse but has such heart."
Bowen said: "He's only a few years younger than me! We didn't travel anywhere at all and I thought we'd do well to get round and pick up a place.
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"Once he passed a few horses he then picked up the bit and we ended up getting there too soon.
"It's amazing to win. You grow up watching these races at home and to win it in my first (full) season riding is amazing."