Val Dancer Triumphs in Thrilling Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow
Val Dancer emerged victorious in the Coral Welsh Grand National, showcasing remarkable determination to overcome the challenge posed by Sam Thomas’ strong contenders at Chepstow. The 8/1 winner, trained by Mel Rowley, was well-prepared for this grueling race with a recent win at Carlisle.
As the race unfolded, leading horse Amateur maintained an early advantage, with prominent contenders such as Galia Des Liteaux and the O’Neill-trained duo of Iron Bridge and Monbeg Genius moving into striking positions. However, severe fog made visibility a challenge for both horses and spectators.
With only five fences remaining, Val Dancer took the lead alongside the 2021 winner Iwilldoit. The two engaged in a fierce competition along the lengthy stretch, but as Iwilldoit began to lose steam, Jubilee Express surged forward to contend with Val Dancer.
Under the skilled guidance of Charlie Hammond, Val Dancer crossed the finish line a length and a half ahead of Jubilee Express, with Iwilldoit securing third place. This win not only marked a first success for Rowley at the south Wales venue but also highlighted a significant milestone in her early training career.
Rowley expressed her disbelief following the victory, stating the moment was surreal for her small Shropshire yard. She reflected on the challenges of the race, admitting that they struggled with visibility due to the fog, but were grateful for Val Dancer’s performance. With Chris Deutsch unable to ride, Hammond took over based on Deutsch’s valuable insights, resulting in a flawless execution of the race strategy.
Although Thomas narrowly missed out on another triumph on home turf, he conveyed his pride in both of his placed horses. He praised the Rowley team and looked forward to future races, underscoring the significance of competing at Chepstow.
With Iwilldoit bringing excitement to Thomas’ fledgling training career, hopes are high for Jubilee Express to follow in his footsteps in prestigious staying handicap races. Thomas emphasized the importance of listening to horses regarding retirement, acknowledging Iwilldoit’s passion for racing, while he remained optimistic about Jubilee Express’s potential for improvement with more experience.
This significant win at Chepstow marks a memorable moment in the racing calendar, affirming the prowess of both Val Dancer and Mel Rowley’s training capabilities.
