Wishfull Thinking was an impressive winner of the Old Roan
Philip Hobbs-trained veteran Wishfull Thinking showed his abundant talent remains very much intact with a runaway success under Richard Johnson in the Betfred Monet's Garden Old Roan Chase at Aintree.
The 11-year-old has been a fantastic servant to his connections over the years, winning 10 times and placing in top company on numerous occasions.
Having finished second in the race two years ago and sixth last season, he was a 14-1 shot to make it third time lucky and he did so in some style.
It was not looking great at the halfway stage, with Johnson having to getting lower in the saddle to ensure his mount did not fall away as Kie set a fierce gallop.
However, the complexion of the race changed before the turn for home, as those who had been ridden aggressively beginning to feel the pinch and Wishfull Thinking began to get his second wind.
He was picking off rivals one by one in the straight and scooted clear before a huge leap at the final obstacle sealed an emphatic 12-length victory.
Edgardo Sol edged out Rolling Aces for the runner-up spot.
The winning trainer's wife, Sarah Hobbs, said: "Richard said the other horses were going too fast for him for most of the race, but then they started to stop and he just picked up and took off.
"He jumped fantastically and then ballooned the last - just because he's so well. He's been a star for us and he's 11 now. I think we're just getting to know him!
"He's had two wind operations and I think the better ground today has helped. I've no idea where he'll go next. That will be up to the trainer, who is at Chepstow."
When asked at the Welsh track, the trainer responded: "It was amazing, I was staggered to see him win so easily.
"He's going to be put up by the handicapper again, so I suppose he'd either go for the Amlin Chase (at Ascot) or the Peterborough (Huntingdon)."
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