Grand Geste Delivers a Stirring Staying Performance in the Haydock Grand National Trial

Grand Geste, a grey seven-year-old gelding by Cloudings, carrying 10st 12lb, proved his disappointing run at Doncaster on his previous start was entirely out of character when returning to Merseyside to claim the most prestigious staying handicap chase outside of Cheltenham and Aintree.

Reviewing the replay, the race is defined by two key tactical moments: the impressive front-running of Myretown, the race favourite ridden by Danny McMenamin, and Grand Geste’s powerful late surge once switched right before the third-last fence.

Myretown attempted to make all under Danny McMenamin and briefly looked to be controlling proceedings. The replay shows the favourite travelling well in the lead through the first circuit, but the weight of the race told from the fourth fence out. He was headed at the third-last and weakened quickly from there, eventually pulling up, confirming, as his trainer subsequently noted, that he “just didn’t stay” over the extended trip.

Grand Geste’s Winning Move

The Irish Racing result commentary confirms Grand Geste chased the leaders throughout and made his decisive effort after the 18th fence. Switched right by jockey Danny McMenamin before the third-last, he surged through on the inside, led before the second-last fence, and went several lengths clear approaching the last. Characteristically, he idled in the closing stages, a trait that left plenty on the table, but was always doing enough to repel the late effort of top-weighted Top Of The Bill, who rallied to close the gap to one and three-quarter lengths.

Neo King, trained at Windsor, stayed on from well back in the field to grab third in the final stride, a commendable effort.

Key Observations on Replay

– **Grand Geste’s stamina:** His pedigree (Cloudings-Lake Crescent) suggested a thorough stayer and the replay confirms it. He picked up strongly from the fourth-last and never appeared to be in any distress despite the testing conditions and 22 fences.
– **The Myretown question:** The favourite’s defeat, following his earlier Doncaster run, will prompt a reassessment of his options. His trainer confirmed post-race that a Cheltenham Festival appearance, likely a return to the Ultima Handicap Chase rather than a Grand National bid, remains the priority.
– **Slow winning time:** The clock showed 7m 46.27s, some 22.27 seconds slower than the course average. The ground was testing and the race was run at a measured pace early, which suited the proven stayers.

Trainer and Connections

Joint-trainer Joel Parkinson was emotional afterwards: “It’s good to get him back after last time. Doncaster wasn’t his place and they just went too quick for him. He’s not a quick horse, he’s an out-and-out stayer, and to win this with a novice is a little bit special.”

Sue Smith, who last won the race 26 years ago with The Last Fling, indicated Cheltenham rather than the Grand National itself may be the immediate aim for Grand Geste, who remains a novice over fences. The Ultima Handicap Chase at the Festival was among the options discussed.