'You could run up the gallops quicker than but he has the best attitude in the world' - slow but steady the key for popular Mr Vango

Tom Peacock speaks to the Midlands National winner's former trainer Chris Barber about the first part of his story

Mr Vango was at his brilliant best in Saturday's Jenningsbet Midlands Grand National at UttoxeterCredit: Grossick Racing

Chris Barber’s early experiences with Mr Vango are very much in line with an individual who has been tremendously easy to underestimate.

The strapping chaser, who stands at over 18 hands, has become one of the stories of the season for Sara Bradstock and her small Oxfordshire yard and was as gallant a winner of last weekend’s JenningsBet Midlands Grand National as they come.

Three years ago the Bradstocks had noted him galloping 25 lengths clear on his debut for Barber in a point-to-point at Horseheath with Santos Blue, now Dan Skelton’s six-time winner, and prolific pointer Forest Chimes following him home.

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Tom PeacockSpecialist writer of the year

Published on 21 March 2025inNews

Last updated 19:36, 21 March 2025

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'You could run up the gallops quicker than him but he has the best attitude in the world' - slow but steady the key for popular Mr Vango

Tom Peacock speaks to the Midlands National winner's former trainer Chris Barber about the first part of his story

Read the full story

Subscribe to unlock