'It was a great decision to come here fresh' - skipping Cheltenham pays off as Mange Tout lands Aintree opener

Aintree racecourse, Thursday: The decision to bypass the Cheltenham Festival was vindicated within minutes of the Grand National meeting’s first race as Mange Tout streaked clear to claim victory and set up a one-two finish for the same connections in the opening contest.

Connections had opted to keep the gelding fresh for Merseyside rather than press him into the fiercely competitive Festival programme last month, a move lauded by the winning camp afterwards as precisely the tonic required to maximise the seven-year-old’s seasonal target.

Under a measured ride, Mange Tout dictated affairs from the front end, kicking clear after the final fence and holding the late challenge of his stable companion to secure a memorable opening-day double for the yard.

The result immediately justified the tactical skip, emphasising how patience and prudent placement can reap dividends when the sport’s most coveted prizes are on the horizon.