Grand National Festival 2018 – Ultragold won the Randox Health Topham Chase for Harry Cobden and Colin Tizzard at Aintree racecourse on Ladies Day
Colin Tizzard's horses seem to thrive at Aintree and that is summed up by Ultragold, who bounced back to form in style with a second win on the trot in the Randox Health Topham Chase on Ladies Day.
ULTRAGOLD (14-1) thrived over the Grand National fences again to win the Randox Health Topham Chase for the second consecutive year on Ladies Day at Aintree.
Colin Tizzard's 10-year-old was towards the fore throughout and stormed clear under Harry Cobden after the last from stablemate Shanahan's Turn (14-1), with Warren Greatrex's mare Theatre Territory (10-1) back in third.
Ultragold becomes just the fourth horse to successfully defend his title in the Topham, following Culworth, Roughan and Always Waining into the record books.
A jubilant Cobden said: "I can't really believe he's done it again, but you can't ask for a better partner over these fences than this fella. He's eyes up every fence and he rides me.
"The ground didn't feel too soft on this lad, to be honest. He's such a lovely horse, he does everything you ask and he's a pleasure to ride."
LATEST IN HORSE RACING
Tizzard said after his one-two: "He comes alive when he goes around these fences. It was brilliant.
"When the loose horse had a go at taking Ultragold out, at least I knew we had the one just behind anyway as a second string.
"It's lovely when that happens (having the first two). It was a lovely run by Shanahan's Turn. Robbie (Power) fancied his chances coming up to the elbow. Fantastic.
How to claim your FREE £10 horse racing bet
1
2 Bet £5 or more on horse racing
3 Sun Bets will stick a £10 bet in your account
"We were looking at the racecard to see how old Ultragold was. It's three times he's been here - two wins and a second now.
"There is that National factor. He doesn't do it at Cheltenham or anywhere like that. It's the National fences. They still have an effect like they used to. It's a big factor, he loves it.
"We talked about going for the National this year, but we thought he doesn't really stay that far."