Noble Yeats and Ashtown Lad cut for the Grand National after Aintree wins

Noble Yeats became the first seven-year-old to win the Grand National for over 50 years back in April. Following a poor run out in France, Emmet Mullins' charge won a Listed race in Ireland before taking part in today's Many Clouds Chase.

Hot-favourite Ahoy Senor jumped erratically early on, but was still in there with a shot as he led turning for home. Sean Bowen, who was riding Noble Yeats for the first time, stalked the leaders throughout and once he was asked for an effort, the Grand National bounded three lengths clear of Dashel Drasher and Ahoy Senor on the run to the line.

Noble Yeats was already the favourite to retain his Grand National crown. Following that superb win in the Many Clouds Chase, vet365 cut Noble Yeats into 16s from 10/1.

Team Skelton was celebrating again after the Becher Chase, which is run over the Grand National fences. 

Harry Skelton partnered Ashtown Lad, as he took on the fearsome National course for the first time. Ashtown Lad jumped beautifully on his first spin around Aintree, hitting the front on the approach to the final flight before holding Gesskille at bay on the run to the line.

Currently rated 138, the seven or eight-pound rise that Skelton's star is likely to receive for that win should be enough to get him into the 2023 Grand National. Ashton Lad was immediately cut into 20/1 for the National, having been a 66/1 shot before the race with bet365.