A wave of emotion swept through Aintree on Saturday (6th December) as conditional jockey Beau Morgan guided £100 bargain buy Twig to the biggest victory of his career in the feature handicap chase over the Grand National course. The ten-year-old gelding dug deep in a dramatic photo finish to repel the late surge of Mr Vango, triggering scenes of joy in the winner’s enclosure.
Morgan endured a tense wait as a stewards’ inquiry reviewed the narrow margin. “That was a nerve-racking twenty minutes,” he admitted. “My head was down, and I had no idea which way it would go. I just sat there with my fingers crossed hoping for the best.”
Twig, who finished 10th in the Grand National back in April, returned to the iconic three-and-a-quarter-mile circuit attempting to build on a recent success at Sandown Park. Sent out with confidence, he travelled with his familiar tenacity behind a searching pace.
For much of the contest, Mahons Glory set a bold tempo under Lee Edwards, extending his advantage to more than ten lengths by the third-last fence. But as the field reeled him in approaching the second last, the race transformed. Twig moved smoothly into contention and took the lead after the final fence, only to face an immediate challenge from the fast-closing Mr Vango.
Inside the final furlong, Twig briefly looked vulnerable, but he rallied with one last determined surge, thrusting his head down at the line to win by the slimmest margin. The stewards upheld the result, prompting heartfelt celebrations from the Morgan family and trainer Ben Pauling.
“Normally those photo finishes don’t go my way, but thank God the one time it mattered, it did,” Morgan said. “Twig is one of those horses who will pull himself up if you hit the front too soon, but he keeps giving when you ask at the right moment.”
Pride radiated from his father, Arron Morgan. “The last three wins he’s had a stewards’ inquiry, but this was the toughest. I’m unbelievably proud. Luca has helped train him, Beau rides him—what more could you want?”
Pauling, enjoying his second success of the afternoon, called Twig “an absolute hero of a horse” and highlighted the remarkable journey from his humble £100 purchase. He added that while the victory opens fresh possibilities, options such as the Veterans’ Final at Sandown Park remain under consideration.
Sara Bradstock, trainer of runner-up Mr Vango, was gracious in defeat. “I couldn’t be more delighted with him,” she said. “He is a proper old hero.”
Twig’s thrilling success added another memorable chapter to Aintree’s storied fences, proving once again that determination, heart, and a well-timed challenge can elevate even the most unassuming of horses to the spotlight.
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