Minella Drama is doing everything she can to record the biggest win of her career in Chasing Old Roan.

Second place last year Minella’s drama came out on top to pursue Donald McCain.

Twelve months ago the nine-year-old chased Zhetoil at home in a restricted handicap when all three fences in the home straight were down due to weak sun and improved on that result in a more traditional contest when all obstacles were cleared.

Minella Drama did her best under Brian Hughes to secure the rider his third race win, following wins on Forest Bihan in 2019 and Riders Onthe Storm in 2022.

Minella Drama raced 6lb lower than last year and was three and a quarter lengths clear of Hitman, who took the same position as the runner-up in the £80,000 2022 event .

Ahoy Senior was left to finish third under Derek Fox, while 2-1 favorite Stage Star, who has been drawn and finished last in the Grand National on his last two visits to Aintree, again showed a below-market fourth at the track. . Grand Annual winner Unexpected Party was the last of the five contestants to make their season debut.

Hughes’ previous wins in the race were for Brian Allison and Richard Hobson and the three-time champion jockey was delighted to provide his main supporter McCain with his first success in the 2m4f competition.

“This guy has been our flagship for a few years now and he deserves it,” Hughes told Racing TV. “He’s been entered in this race and the Melling Chase, so it’s great that he’s having his day in the sun.

“He’s a handy horse and he’s always been 11 7lb and over, this is the first time he’s had 10 6lb on his back, so we kind of second guessed his chances when he ran here last year.

“It’s a good race to win and I wouldn’t mind a few more like him.”

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