In an era where modern jumping has become synonymous with flashy young prospects and hefty price tags, Mr Vango stands out as a refreshing anomaly. This nine-year-old stalwart, trained by Sara Bradstock, embodies the spirit of a bygone era, where horses were given time to mature and develop into true steeplechasing giants. As the second-favorite for the upcoming Welsh Grand National at Chepstow, Mr Vango's potential victory would be a heartwarming testament to the enduring appeal of traditional horse racing values.
With his imposing frame and powerful engine, Mr Vango is a throwback to the legendary horses of yesteryear, such as Pendil and The Dikler in the 1970s, or Desert Orchid and Carvill's Hill in the 1980s. His emergence from the historic Old Manor Stables, near Wantage in Oxfordshire, is a nod to the yard's rich legacy, which includes the iconic Golden Miller, the only horse to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup five times in a row in the 1930s. The stable has also produced three Grand National winners, trained by the late Tim Forster, and more recently, the magnificent half-brothers Carruthers and Coneygree, the 2015 Gold Cup winner.
Mr Vango's journey to the Welsh Grand National is a testament to the patience and dedication of his connections, who have allowed him to develop at his own pace, rather than rushing him into the fray as a young, inexperienced horse.
In an age where young chasing prospects are often snapped up for six-figure sums, Mr Vango's story is a refreshing counterpoint. Sold as a foal for a modest €7,000 (£6,000) in November 2016, he disappeared from view for over five years before reemerging to win a Cambridgeshire point-to-point in February 2022. His subsequent sale to the Bradstock stable for £30,000 was a relative bargain in modern jumping terms. Mr Vango's progression from a winner over hurdles to a formidable chaser has been nothing short of remarkable, with his second race over fences resulting in a 60-length success on bottomless ground in the Devon National at Exeter in February 2024.
Under the guidance of Sara Bradstock, who is now in her second full season as the sole licence-holder at Old Manor, Mr Vango has blossomed into a genuine Grand National contender. His stirring, front-running success under top weight at Uttoxeter, which included wins in the London National at Sandown, the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock, and the Midlands Grand National, has pushed his rating well past the cut-off point for recent Nationals. Although he was raised a further 3lb to 155 after a battling second place over the National fences on his return to action at Aintree earlier this month, he will race off his old mark of 152 on Saturday.
While Mr Vango's chances of winning the Welsh Grand National are undeniable, he will face stiff competition from a host of strong opponents, including:
As the racing world converges on Chepstow for the Welsh Grand National, all eyes will be on Mr Vango, the enchantingly old-school steeplechaser who embodies the spirit of a bygone era. Will he prove that traditional values and patience can still prevail in modern horse racing, or will the challenges ahead prove too great to overcome? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Mr Vango's quest for the Welsh Grand National will be an unforgettable journey, one that will captivate the hearts of racing fans everywhere.
In the words of Sara Bradstock, "keeping the legendary Bradstock magic alive" is a testament to the dedication and passion of her team, which includes her children, Lily and Alfie. As Mr Vango takes to the track on Saturday, he will carry not only the hopes of his connections but also the weight of history, as he bids to become the latest in a long line of proper, old-fashioned steeplechasers to emerge from the iconic Old Manor Stables.
Original: The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Written by Npsports
