Equestrian story by Vinnie Mitchell, Thu, 29 Dec 2005 00:04:00 GMT


Paul Nicholls emerged the undisputed winner at the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow yesterday as his charges swept away the first three positions. L'Aventure capitalized on a last gasp mistake by One Knight to romp home as the winner.

Heros Collonges and Cornish Rebel logged in second and third respectively. Leighton Aspell had a lucky shift to L'Aventure as Paddy Brennan elected to ride One Knight after Richard Johnson withdrew his booking on One Knight following his crash at Sandown.

One Knight led for almost all the race and it was only at the final hurdle that it stumbled affording the opportunity for L'Aventure to move forward. However the latter was physically stronger of all the horses and managed to maintain a superb balance as it approached the home stretch. "That was a brilliant run. L'Aventure was fresh and well and she's done it well," said Paul Nicholls said after the huge win for his stable.

"You can see I was a bit frustrated that Paddy (Brennan) didn't stay with her while the other two ran well with big weights. We are all a big team. Everybody plays their part and works hard." Nicholls' win fetched him £89,120 and betting firm Ladbrokes have put him at 1-3 odds to sweep away the trainers' jumps title.

Compatriot Martin Pipe who has won the award for 10 seasons is now at the second spot in the betting list at 9-4. Jockey Aspell was delighted with his success, "I thought Paddy would find some more when I got to him but luckily he didn't find as much as me. Its gluey old ground and it took its toll. I'm lucky I got her on a going day - I could ride her tomorrow and it could be different," he told At The Races.

Meanwhile, My Way de Solzen emerged as the surprise winner at the Long Walk Hurdle, while the betting favorite Inglis Drever came second last in a poor finish.

The Results
Coral Welsh National
1. L'Aventure
2. Heros Collonges
3. Cornish Rebel
4. Crystal d'Ainay

Long Walk Hurdle
1. My Way de Solzen
2. Neptune Collonges
3. Starzaan

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