Yeah Man stays on best to provide first Haydock winner for Gavin Cromwell and Sean Flanagan in Grand National Trial

The Grand National Trial served its purpose but not in the way many expected after Yeah Man set himself up for a tilt at Fairyhouse, rather than Aintree, with a strong display of staying power.

The 9-2 joint-favourite was the first winner of the race for Ireland in 29 years as he continued Gavin Cromwell's sensational record in Britain this season.

Smuggled into the race from the rear by Sean Flanagan, Yeah Man had to dig deep into his stamina reserves to get past gallant runner-up My Silver Lining in the closing stages, but he showed he possesses the right attributes for marathon chases as he recorded his first win over fences.

Racing off a BHA mark of 133 here, the seven-year-old is not entered in the Randox Grand National, but all roads now lead to the Irish equivalent on April 1.

Cromwell, speaking away from the track, said: "I'm delighted with that. He deserves it after a couple of defeats at Ascot. We weren't sure about the ground, but he got through it well.

"I'd say we'll go for the Irish Grand National now. He won't have got into it off his current mark, but he will now – that's the target. I think we'll skip Cheltenham. He may have an entry in the Kim Muir, but I'd say he's most likely to go for the Irish National."

Sean Flanagan is all smiles after Yeah Man's win in the Grand National TrialCredit: JOHN GROSSICK

The multiple Grade 1-winning trainer will be heading to next month's Cheltenham Festival full of confidence after this latest successful and most valuable trip to Britain this term.

Having also won the Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices' Hurdle later on the card, Cromwell has now managed to register 11 winners from 44 runners and collect more than £380,000 in prize-money to take back to Ireland.

Yeah Man was a rare runner at Haydock for Cromwell and he was a first ride at the track for Flanagan.

The experienced jockey, who was dumped for his troubles after the line, believes Yeah Man, previously unsuccessful in eight chase starts but runner-up in the Silver Cup at Ascot last time, could have a bright future.

"It was a very good performance," Flanagan said. "The only worry we had was the ground as he had one run on it last year and didn't finish out.

"He was duly rewarded today as he's been knocking on the door and tipped up [at Ascot] two runs back. He jumped really well, he's a dour stayer and has done it really well."

Yeah Man and Sean Flanagan hunt round on their way to victoryCredit: JOHN GROSSICK

My Silver Lining travelled powerfully down the home straight under James Best but could not quite repeat her success in last month's Classic Chase at Warwick.

The Emma Lavelle-trained mare was beaten a length and a half by the winner, but finished six lengths clear of Iron Bridge, the first horse home with a National entry.

"She's unbelievable," said Lavelle. "Even after the last, when you think the winner is going to kick on, she put her head down and kept trying. The ground or track doesn't matter, she's just brilliant.

"It was sad she got beaten, but she's run another fantastic race. She just lacks that change of gear, but she's got a great cruising speed and clearly stays all day.

"We'll give her a nice break now and look at either the Scottish National or bet365 Gold Cup at the end of the season."

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