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Le Beau Bai victorious in Welsh National

Le Beau Bai strode to victory at Chepstow © Getty Images

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A fine run saw Le Beau Bai claim victory in the Welsh National at Chepstow on Tuesday.

Trainer Richard Lee was put through some nervy moments as his charge entered into a thrilling battle with Giles Cross. In the end, jockey Charlie Poste did enough to guide his ride to victory.

For long periods last year's runner-up Giles Cross looked like he would go one better in the race of the day at Chepstow, leading with two fences to go. However, he began to tire, and that was enough of a window for Le Beau Bai to capitalise.

The 10/1 shot powered to the front over the penultimate fence and then never gave Giles Cross any encouragement as victory arrived by seven lengths. Cappa Bleu was over double that distance behind in third.

"He's been a good servant to me," a jubilant Poste commented. "Beforehand I spoke to the owners and I picked out Giles Cross as the one I really thought was the one we had to beat.

"We rode him in similar style when he won here earlier this month. I never thought it was a foregone conclusion and he's toughed it out really well."

Lee added: "It's a race I've always wanted to win. We didn't run in it last year, but he was third two years ago and it all went to plan this time. I was worried the ground wasn't going to be soft enough for him but Charlie got some great leaps out of him."

The Future Champions Finale Hurdle went the way of 13/8 favourite Hollow Tree, who held on despite a strong challenge from Countrywide Flame.

Timmy Murphy had to ask plenty of his ride as Hollow Tree consistently put pressure on Countrywide Flame, who appeared to be travelling better. In the end that pressure told as Donald McCain's charge won by two-and-a-half lengths.

Alan King's Secret Edge (7/2) never threatened, finishing some 11 lengths behind Countrywide Flame in third.

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