• Horse Racing

Albertas lands Old Roan as Master disappoints

ESPN staff
October 22, 2011
Albertas Run fenced superbly again © Getty Images
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Albertas Run made every yard of the running to land the Old Roan Chase at Aintree, as Master Minded made a shocking return to action by trailing home in third.

Tony McCoy produced a masterful ride from the front aboard Albertas Run, getting a fine tune out of his mount at his fences while keeping a bit in reserve.

Things looked to be going according to plan for Master Minded as he travelled well for the first mile, but he put in a sloppy leap halfway down the back straight and from there his fencing became increasingly erratic. Ruby Walsh got his mount back on the bridle turning for home, but a poor jump four from home saw him come under serious pressure.

The odds-on favourite drifted back into third of the three runners and it was left to rank outsider Pure Faith to throw down a challenge.

He looked to be travelling better than Albertas Run heading to the last, but McCoy conjured up another superb leap and it helped Jonjo O'Neill's charge secure victory.

O'Neill said: "He's a super little horse. He jumped very nicely today, but I'm not sure what the race was worth. He was getting 10lb off Master Minded and I'd imagine both horses will come on a lot for the run. It's a very nice race to win, he's been in great form at home and he did everything very fluently today."

Master Minded's rider, Ruby Walsh, said: "He was disappointing. I don't know if it's down to fitness, we'll have to look at the race again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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