Dream Alliance wins Welsh National (From Free Press Series)

Dream Alliance wins Welsh National

10:02am Wednesday 30th December 2009

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DREAM Alliance stayed on strongly for Tom O'Brien to land the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow for Philip Hobbs on Monday.

The 20-1 chance jumped boldly throughout the three-mile five-furlong contest and held a clear lead turning for home. There was a scare for his supporters when he dived at the final fence, but it did not stop his momentum and although tiring on the run-in, he had enough in the tank to score by three-quarters of a length from Silver By Nature.

Favourite Le Beau Bai was third and 2007 winner Miko De Beauchene was fourth.

It was a remarkable success for horse and jockey, with both having only recently returned from injury. O'Brien broke his leg in a freak paddock accident at Hereford in June, while Dream Alliance had been off the track for 19 months with leg trouble prior to finishing second over hurdles at this venue in November.

Paddy Power now make the winner 33-1 for the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree in April, while totesport offer just 25-1.

O'Brien said: "Amazing. I had a couple of seconds and thirds and I thought I was doing something wrong, but this horse is a courageous animal.

"I broke my leg when a horse reared over on top of me and I was out for a couple of months, but this makes it all worthwhile. I love this game.

"When you're injured you're not in control, there's nothing you can do in that perspective. I'm just delighted I'm back now. It's a short career. I just enjoy every day of it."

Hobbs added: "It's like a dream come true for the whole lot of them. It's amazing really and he's aptly-named."

The runner-up's trainer Lucinda Russell said: "I'm gutted to be second but when you think about it, you have to be really pleased too. I thought he got a dream ride through the race and he just didn't quite get there."

Richard Lee, trainer of Le Beau Bai, said: "He didn't have the ideal preparation as we've had a lot of snow on the gallops."

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