Wade Out strikes Aintree gold for Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed a victory on Grand National day, as Wade Out made a successful return to the smaller obstacles in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Aintree.

The former Manchester United manager is one of the seven-year-old’s group of owners and he was sent off 18-1 having spent this season over fences.

However, fitted with first-time blinkers by trainer Olly Murphy he proved a reformed character, racing with plenty of zest and surging to a commanding success in the hands of Gavin Sheehan.

Stablemate Hold The Serve was sent off the 100-30 favourite but could only finish fifth.

The race was marred by a fatal injury sustained by Get On George, with the Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith-trained gelding euthanised after going wrong on the flat.

Winning trainer Murphy said: “I thought he’d win the National Hunt Chase but he laughed at me for the whole three miles and five furlongs, so we sent him back over hurdles and put a set of blinkers on and he’s turned a competitive field into a rout.

“I thought he might win but not in that fashion. He’s a horse who has always had loads of ability.

“We’ll train him as a staying hurdler now, he’s not over-big so jumping fences has probably been a big effort for him.

“We all want winners here. I huffed and puffed yesterday and didn’t get anywhere, so it’s great to get a winner today.”

Mr Hope Street denied 7-2 favourite Lookaway a hat-trick when shading a thrilling finish to the William Hill Handicap Chase.

Dan Skelton’s eight-year-old was sent off 4-1 in the hands of the trainer’s brother, Harry, who was at his very best to drive home a head verdict.

The winning handler said: “He is a good horse but mid-season he had a high suspensory injury, just a flare, but it meant we had to back off him.

“He was ready last week, but I literally had one week in hand, so everything had to go to plan. He had a canter around a point-to-point course last week and that put him spot on.

“It’s remarkable how it has all come together today, Harry gave him a beautiful ride, it’s perfect.

“He’s named after the hotel in Liverpool and my head girl Polly (Claire Freeman) has been up here for three days, she’s nearly given herself liver failure and if she hasn’t yet she’ll accomplish it tonight!”