Jonbon ends hellish time for Henderson and de Boinville at Aintree

De Boinville guided home Jonbon in a thrilling finish, holding off both long-time leader Conflated and Protektorat on the eve of the world's greatest steeplechase the Grand National at Aintree.

Henderson one of British racing's most successful jumps trainers had drawn a blank at the showpiece Cheltenham Festival for the first time since 2008 last month as an equine illness swept through the yard.

Whilst de Boinville had a broad smile Henderson was reduced to tears as he watched the race beside winning owner JP McManus - who had a terrific day with three winners.

"It's been indescribable, the last two months have been absolute hell to be honest," said de Boinville.

"We have hardly had any runners let alone winners.

"As the trainer said one swallow does not make a summer but this warms it up."

De Boinville, ever the sportsman, spared a thought for Aidan Coleman who would have been riding Jonbon but injury has forced him to retire aged 35.

Henderson, 73, recovered sufficiently to provide a character assessment of his quirky winner.

"He's an entertaining fellow, never makes life terribly easy for anyone," said Henderson.

"If you change his routine you can upset things for him very easily."

Henderson has yet to win the Grand National and will have to wait another year as he has no runners this time around.

However, two-time winning trainer Lucinda Russell suffered the worst possible lead into her Corach Rambler defending his National crown.

Giovinco, ridden by Steve Mulqueen, had to be put down after a fall at the last in the Mildmay Novices Chase.

Mark Walsh on Inothewayurthinkin was oblivious to the tragedy as he steered his mount past long-time leader Chianti Classico.

The latter faded quickly whilst his fellow Cheltenham Festival winner eased to an impressive victory.

The bookmakers liked the Gavin Cromwell-trained winner's performance so much that they slapped a less than generous 10/1 price on him for next year's Cheltenham Gold Cup.

'Close the door'

Inothewayurthinkin may one day win a Grand National, but his full sister Limerick Lace might beat him to family honours as Walsh's ride is fancied on Saturday.

"We'll have to see how he fares (in open Grade One company next year - you never know until you try, but we'll look forward to it," said Walsh.

Walsh returned to the winners' enclosure in a second Grade One race later - adorned again in the McManus silks of green with yellow hoops - as Mystical Power dug deep to repel Firefox.

Mystical Power was winning at Aintree eight years on from when his mother and 2016 Champion Hurdle winner Annie Power won the Aintree Hurdle.

"I wanted to wait a bit longer as Jack (Kennedy on Firefox) was going to close the door on me," said Walsh.

"He (Mystical Power) does not do much at home he saves his best for the racetrack."

If the National is as exciting as the finish to the Topham, also raced over the imposing fences, then the spectators will be well rewarded.

Ciaran Gethings jumped the last on Arizona Cardinal upsides Paul Townend on James du Berlais.

Townend looked set for a morale-boosting win, ahead of riding I am Maximus in the National, till Gethings conjured up a remarkable second wind from his mount and they passed the Willie Mullins runner yards from the line.

"I love this horse so much," said Gethings.

"He is a real favourite, I was so confident of running a big race.

"I am speechless, this is unbelievable.

"He gave me a great spin."

From being downcast one minute and half an hour later Townend was all smiles as he steered home Dancing City to win the Grade One Sefton Novies Hurdle.

"That's the game. One moment you are low, the next you bounce back," said Townend.