This Saturday's Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow promises a thrilling spectacle, with the enchantingly old-school steeplechaser Mr Vango poised to capture the hearts of racing purists. The nine-year-old gelding, trained by Sara Bradstock and a likely front-runner, is the second-favourite for the prestigious winter marathon.
A Throwback to a Bygone Era
When enthusiasts describe a "proper, old-fashioned steeplechaser," they envision a powerful, strapping horse capable of battling through the heaviest ground. Legends like Denman, who defied top weight to win the 2009 Hennessy Gold Cup, epitomised this spirit. In the modern era, Mr Vango carries that same torch.
Everything about the giant nine-year-old defies modern racing trends. Bred for stamina and given time to mature, he did not race until he was six. This patient approach contrasts sharply with many of his rivals, often acquired for significant sums after showing early promise in point-to-points.
Mr Vango's journey began with a modest price tag of just €7,000 as a foal in November 2016. He later joined the Bradstock stable for £30,000 after winning a Cambridgeshire point-to-point in February 2022—a pittance in today's market.
The Bradstock Legacy and a Stellar Season
Mr Vango is the latest star from the historic Old Manor Stables in Oxfordshire, a yard with a lineage stretching back to the legendary five-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Golden Miller. Sara Bradstock, now in her second full season as sole licence-holder following the passing of her husband Mark in early 2024, is dedicated to upholding the yard's renowned magic.
Her first solo season yielded a remarkable strike-rate, with six winners from 17 runners. Mr Vango was a perfect part of that success, completing a trio of major handicap chase victories. His wins in the London National at Sandown, the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock, and the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter under top weight showcased his relentless engine.
His stirring front-running victory at Uttoxeter in March pushed his rating past the typical cut-off for the Aintree Grand National, making that race an obvious future target.
The Chepstow Challenge Awaits
On Saturday, Mr Vango will face a formidable field at Chepstow. Although he will race off a mark of 152, having been raised to 155 after a brave second over the National fences at Aintree earlier this month, history suggests it is a feasible task. Elegant Escape (2018) and Native River (2016) have both won the Welsh National defying similar handicaps.
However, a host of talented rivals carrying less weight will be determined to halt his charge. The race shapes up as a classic test of stamina and grit on what is expected to be testing ground.
While the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day boasts a stellar field, and Sunday's Savills Chase at Leopardstown features a Gold Cup winner clash, many purists will find their Christmas highlight in watching the magnificent Mr Vango attempt to jump and gallop his rivals into submission over nearly four miles of Welsh turf.
A victory for the popular giant would undoubtedly be one of the most heartwarming results of the entire festive racing calendar.
