Walk In The Mill powers clear of rivals in Becher Chase to set up National dream

Walk In The Mill, ruled out of last season's Grand National on the morning of the race, turned that agony into ecstasy on his return to Aintree with an exhibition round of jumping on his first try over the unique fences.

A last-minute bout of lameness denied trainer Robert Walford and owner Baroness Harding a runner in the famous chase in April, but the National dream is alive and kicking again after Walk In The Mill powered home under James Best to get the better of 2016 winner Vieux Lion Rouge and fellow course-specialist Ultragold.

Baroness Harding, whose colours were carried to Cheltenham Gold Cup glory by Cool Dawn in 1998, said: "We were hoping to run him in the National last season and he went lame overnight, so from that day this has been the target.

"Robert and the team have done the most amazing job getting him here and also stopping me from riding him!"

Dorset-based Walford, who in his days as a jockey rode Kingscliff to victory for his father-in-law Robert Alner in the inaugural Betfair Chase in 2005, is eyeing a crack at the Randox Health Grand National, for which Walk In The Mill was given an opening quote of 33-1 by Paddy Power.

"He jumped great and James gave him an excellent ride," said Walford, 38. "We know the plan and there's only one way to go. He'll get a run in the National now and we probably won't see him a huge amount before then. He struggles with his feet and everyone at home has done an amazing job."

Watch Walk In The Mill gallop to Becher Chase glory

Previous experience of the unique fences is often so crucial, but not on this occasion as course regulars Vieux Lion Rouge and Ultragold were put in their place by the well-backed 10-1 winner.

However, David Pipe was drawing the positives from Vieux Lion Rouge's first run since finishing ninth in the National.

"He's a run a cracker and galloped all the way to the line," said the trainer. "It was fast and furious - even in these conditions - and he would need to keep up with the pace a little more in the National on better ground, but he's got a great record round these fences."

The Colin Tizzard-trained Ultragold, the back-to-back winner of the Topham over two miles five furlongs, handled the step up in trip to offer hope for the big one in April.

"He's brilliant around here, he just gets into that lovely rhythm," said the trainer's son and assistant Joe. "The trip wasn't a problem today, which was always in the back of my mind, and it's a big plus for him looking forward to the Grand National."

There was a false start to the race and the stewards held an inquiry involving ten of the 18 jockeys, the outcome of which was a one-day suspension for Don Poli's rider Jack Kennedy for contravening the starting procedures.

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