'Horrible time' turns to triumph over the National fences again for the Bowens

Friday: Topham Chase, Aintree

Much more of this and they will be naming a fence after them. The McCain and Twiston-Davies families have had great days here in the past but the Bowens of South Wales are the first family of the National course at present.

Trainer Peter Bowen landed a record-equalling fifth success in the Topham Chase as Mac Tottie overcame a tricky start to repeat November's Grand Sefton Chase win over the same course and distance.

Son Sean was on board and thrilled to be landing his own third win over the famous fences. He believes they still present a unique challenge, despite recent modifications.

"A lot of old people say 'it's not like it was back in my day' but I promise you it's so much different to a normal race," he said.

"There are so many more runners, the fences are unique – you have Becher's which is a big drop, then you have Foinavon which scares horses, then you have the Canal Turn where everything's coming across each other."

James Bowen goes nuts as brother Sean storms to Topham glory

Asked about the yard's fine record in the Topham, with Mac Tottie emulating Dunbrody Millar and three-time winner Always Waining, he said: "I do think Dad's horses jump particularly well and Dad loves coming here – it helps when you have one ready for the right day!"

Not that the latest success was easily gained as the jockey recounted: "I had a horrible time early on. I nearly got brought down at the first and didn't jump the second well or the third. I thought 'I'm not in a rhythm at all here' then he got more confidence as the race went along.

"He jumped the Canal Turn and I moved out and that's when he really came alive. He winged the next fences and I went from tenth to second in a few strides, I couldn't hold him and I thought 'I'm going to look some moon man if he gets beaten' so it's a good job he went and won!

"Riding any winner is brilliant, riding a big winner is massive but I can't describe to you what it's like to ride a winner for the family. It's absolutely amazing."

Mac Tottie: also won the Sefton over the National fences in DecemberCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Peter Bowen was equally delighted with the 8-1 winner and said: "He went off the boil a bit after he had a fall in the Becher Chase but he was back spot on for today.

"He loves those fences. He could be a National horse next year, there's no reason why he shouldn't stay the trip, he's bred to."

Bowen went close with McKelvey in 2007 but has not won the National itself, unlike Ted Walsh and Willie Mullins who trained the second and third.

4.05 Aintree: full result and replay

Walsh was pleased with runner-up Batcio and said: "That was a great run. He loved it. He jumped and travelled great and, while he was no match for the winner, he ran a great race. If somebody said to me going out would I take a place I'd have jumped at it."

Mullins was delighted with third-placed finisher Annamix and said: "Danny got a great ride from him and said he just came alive once he went out on the track. He really enjoys it around here."

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