National prize for battling Beau

LE BEAU BAI provided the closest possible thing to a first home-trained winner of the Coral Welsh National since Norther in 1965.

Third in Chepstow’s annual highlight in 2009 but mistakenly not entered for last season’s running, the gallant stayer was representing Richard Lee, whose yard is just a stroll over the border in the Herefordshire village of Byton.

Le Beau Bai, who adores the demanding ground which habitually occurs at this meeting, went off favourite the last time he lined up in the race and was this time supported into 10-1, despite only sneaking into the handicap because of a recent course victory.