Fundamentalist wins Chase at Aintree

Popular old-timer Fundamentalist added another feather to his cap in the intercasino.co.uk Veterans' Handicap Chase.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained 10-year-old last term enjoyed a mini-resurrection and carried on the good work at the Merseyside circuit.

Fundamentalist’s early departure from this year’s Grand National clearly failed to weaken his appetite for Aintree’s fences as the 7-2 shot strode out for a convincing six-length victory over Aleron.

“I like these old-aged-pensioner races,” said Twiston-Davies. “It’s nice to see the old boy back at it again – hopefully the handicapper doesn’t get too nasty with him.”

Suitably inspired, the Naunton handler refused to rule out another crack at the Grand National next April.

He added: “He’s obviously got no bad memories from the last time he was here. We would think about it (the National), but he does get a bit close to some of them (fences) so we’ll see.”

Earlier, Rippling Ring tarnished his lofty reputation with a flat display behind French Opera at Aintree’s first meeting of the season.

Paul Nicholls’ South African import was fifth in this year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and disappointingly filled the same position in the intercasino.co.uk Handicap.

The 8-15 favourite looked to have followed the script to the letter, having made smooth progress close to the pace initiated by French Opera (5-1).

But Ruby Walsh’s mount found little under pressure and came nowhere near to matching the finishing kick of the Nicky Henderson-trained winner, who defeated Dishdasha by two and three-quarter lengths.

Nicholls said: “It’s disappointing when they run like that without apparently any excuses.”

Jockey Marcus Foley said of French Opera: “He can be very keen in his races and Mick (Fitzgerald) told me to get him settled. Turning in, I knew he would pick up for me – it was very professional.”