For only the second time, an Irish-trained horse has claimed the Welsh Grand National.
Gavin Cromwell, a Meath-based trainer, oversaw the victory of Raz De Maree in Chepstow this afternoon.
On the day of the Veterans' Chase in Sandown, two 13yos in first two in Welsh National. Great win for Raz De Maree and Gavin Cromwell/James Bowen, two men on an upward curve. Some boost to Logical Song, who beat RDM by 12 lengths in Cork National
— Daragh Ó Conchúir (@RebelDevil71) January 6, 2018
Brilliant for Gavin Cromwell, what a run from Raz de Maree
— Thom Malone (@thom_malone) January 6, 2018
Despite the general feeling that Raz De Maree could go one better than last year's performance and claim the National, Cromwell's 13-year old was priced at 16-1 heading into the race.
Nine years after Barry Potts trained Notre Pere to the Welsh National, Ireland would have its second such winner in Raz De Maree.
Perhaps of even greater interest however was the jockey who got the job done.
At only 16-years of age, James Bowen and the 13-year old Raz De Maree are unusually close in age. Demonstrating enormous talent for one so young, Bowen's achievements are not going unnoticed either.
Remarkable - James Bowen, 16, rides winner of the Welsh National but not old enough to drive until March
— Francis Keogh (@HonestFrank) January 6, 2018
Jockey only three years older than the horse as James Bowen wins Welsh National on 13yo Raz de Maree. Brilliant run from fellow veteran Alfie Spinner in 2nd for Welsh National queen Kerry Lee too. Some great stories 👍🏻
— Gina Bryce (@GinaBryce) January 6, 2018
Unbelievably good ride by James Bowen to win Welsh Grand National, on RDM, on and off the bit, at times jumping indifferently. He is some talented teenager!
— Mr Jim McGrath (@McGracing) January 6, 2018
Take a bow, James Bowen 🙇- superb
— Nick Luck (@nickluck) January 6, 2018
Great ride by teenage jockey @james_bowen_ to win the Gr.3 Welsh Grand National on @GoffsUK graduate RAZ DE MAREE, a 13-year-old son of Shaanmer - Full result in tomorrow's EBN #readallaboutit
— 💙💛 EBN (@bloodstocknews) January 6, 2018
Some talent @james_bowen_ and only 3 years older than Raz De Maree. Huge future for the young jockey.
— Paul Ferguson (@paulfergusonJTF) January 6, 2018
No stranger to the difficult conditions of a winter run, Raz De Maree has previously claimed the Cork National on two occasions.
You can watch the winning stretch of the race below.
Second in the race last year, the evergreen Raz De Maree lands the Coral Welsh Grand National at @Chepstow_Racing under @james_bowen_ for @gavincromwell1: pic.twitter.com/wVZWRDGfRO
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 6, 2018
