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Dude repels Teaforthree to land Welsh National

Monbeg Dude did not jump well but had enough quality to win the Welsh National © Getty Images

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Monbeg Dude came from last to first to deny Teaforthree in a thrilling renewal of the Welsh National.

Paul Carberry anchored his mount at the back of the field, electing to watch on as the leaders set a fierce gallop in the conditions.

Monbeg Dude crept into the race on the second circuit, despite making a string of mistakes, and came to challenge turning out of the back straight.

The favourite Teaforthree mastered the long-time leader Giles Cross, who was pulled up after showing up well for a long way, four from home.

Monbeg Dude came with his challenge but made mistakes at the final three fences.

Despite the errors, he carried momentum forward and responded superbly to Carberry's driving to lift the prize at a well backed 10/1.

Ruacana ran out a fortunate winner of the Grad One Finale Juvenile Hurdle. John Ferguson's charge looked booked for third at best, but Swnymor came down at the last when seemingly having the race in safe keeping. The fall left Megalypos in front but he was badly hampered by Swnymor and Denis O'Regan aboard Ruacana swpt by to claim the prize.

Melodic Rendezvous provided trainer Jeremy Scott with his first win at Grade One level when taking the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown.

Despite beating Royal Boy at Cheltenham last time, Melodic Rendezvous was the lesser fancied of the pair but he confirmed the form in some style. He travelled stylishly into the race, joined battle with Pendra - as Royal Boy backed out of the fight - at the second last and stuck on superbly to score in the hands of Nick Scholfield who was riding his first winner at Sandown.

The improving William's Wishes made it five from five over fences, surviving a shocking mistake at the second last to land the 32Red.com Casino Handicap Chase for jockey Paul Maloney and trainer Evan Williams.

Une Artiste could be in line for a crack at the mighty Quevega at the Cheltenham Festival after taking the 32Red.com Mares' Hurdle. Nicky Henderson's charge kicked on some way out under Barry Geraghty and held on well to beat Alasi.

Henderson said: "We are getting to the point where we are going to have to go for the David Nicholson, unless Quevega goes for the World Hurdle instead. I think there's another two-and-a-half (mile) race here later in the season too."

Big Fella Thanks, an Aintree specialist who has run well in Grand Nationals, return to the winners' enclosure for the first time in nearly three years when running out an impressive winner of the Bathwick Tyres Handicap Chase. The 11-year-old travelled much the best, mastered last year's victory Consigliere two from home and stuck on well for Paddy Brennan to score at 6/1.

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