Mr Vango holds on to take Midlands Grand National win

Mr Vango held on to claim victory ahead of Tanganyika in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter.

Mr Vango, ridden by Jack Tudor, led early on and was at or near the front throughout the four and a quarter mile 25-fence race of 16 runners.

Sara Bradstock’s top-weighted nine-year-old, who was 11-1 in the odds, then built up a lead of about two lengths after the penultimate fence and, despite Tanganyika closing in, took victory.

Jamie Snowden’s Passing Well came in third and Emma Lavelle’s My Silver Lining fourth.

Mr Vango added the win to victories in the London National at Sandown in December and the Peter Marsh at Haydock in January.

“He’s great fun and a great jumper,” Tudor told ITV Racing.

It earned the Wantage-based trainer Bradstock her biggest win since taking over the licence from her late husband Mark a year ago.

“It’s a very sad but very special day,” said Bradstock. “It breaks my heart that Mark’s not here. It really cheered him when this horse won just before he died.

“But Mark wanted me to go on and it’s moments like this that make you realise it’s worth all the effort and heartache.”