Anglers Crag reclaims his Eider crown with victory at Newcastle

History was made at the North East track as it is one of Britain’s longest National Hunt Races and a true test of stamina, which is often seen as a mini Grand National.

Anglers Crag became just the third horse to win more than one Virgin Bet Daily Extra Eider Handicap Chase as he reclaimed his victory in the Newcastle marathon at Gosforth Park.

While there are previous horses that have landed successive renewals in the Eider Chase, Anglers Crag becomes the first horse to regain his title having won it two years ago under trainer Brian Ellison.

Ridden by jockey Danny McMenamin, the horse was able to travel consistently throughout the race. As the field turned for home Mr.Vango dropped away, leaving his only threat be the runner up ‘Only The Bold’, who made a mistake at the last, giving Anglers Crag a five-length win as the joint 4-1 favourite.

He was declared for last year’s Eider Chase but unseated his jockey at the start of the race, taking his name out of the running completely.

Owner and breeder Derrick Mossop moved the horse to Nicky Richard’s yard with hopes of bringing his spark back in a new environment and has been rewarded with a victory at Carlisle and a second Eider.

McMenamin told Sky Sports Racing: “That was a good performance. He’s not the most straightforward, especially at the start.

On the whole he jumped brilliantly and he toughed it out in the end.”

Owner Derek Mossop added: “Marvellous, marvellous. I couldn’t believe how well he jumped.

“I thought Danny gave him a perfect ride. He carries on a bit at the start and we know what he done last year, but he got away with it this year. We bred him as well so we’ve had him since he was born; it’s marvellous.”

It was a great day for North East racing to see another horse making history in such a tough race.