The Jamie Snowden trainee was making his return from a 311-day absence after overcoming the same issue as top class chaser Sir Gino. Sent off at 6-1, Colonel Harry held the late challenge of Gaboriot by two lengths
Colonel Harry made the perfect comeback over the Grand National fences by battling to victory under Gavin Sheehan. A nasty infection had kept the popular chaser off the track for 311 days, but he returned with all of his old enthusiasm.
Settled in midfield, carrying a large weight of 11st 12lb, he made a move to the right of the field at the penultimate obstacle. And when push came to shove, 6-1 chance Colonel Harry found the most to thwart Gaboriot by two lengths, with Excello close-up in third and a place ahead of long-time leader Mahons Glory.
Trainer Jamie Snowden told how the GD Partnership-owned winner had battled the same issue that has sidelined Nicky Henderson’s unbeaten young horse Sir Gino.
“He got a nasty injury in his back leg,” said Snowden. “There was no open wound, but it was a horrid infection. He was in the veterinary hospital for two weeks on the back of that and that was the end of his season.
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“It was very serious and all credit to the vets for getting him back and to the team at home for having him ready first time out – it was an incredible effort.”
Sheehan had a good spin on fan favourite Hewick in the 2025 Grand National back in April and the pair crossed the line in eighth behind Nick Rockett.
He said: “I loved that. From the Canal Turn he came alive. I missed the last but still thought I had a good chance – and his class has come through.”
Today’s race was the first time this season the famous spruce fences have been used and ten of the 17 runners completed.
The screens were put around jockey Dylan Johnston, who took a heavy tumble from Our Power at the Chair early on, but he rose to his feet and was able to compete in two more races.
Vintage Fizz was right in behind and could not avoid the incident, which put him out of contention.
