Wales rugby international Jonathan Davies had two reasons to celebrate following the Grand Slam success against Ireland.
That, of course, was number one, but Davies also had that winning feeling in horse racing.
Davies is a member of the syndicate which own Potters Corner, a 20-1 chance who won the Midlands Grand National (Listed Handicap Chase) at Uttoxeter over four miles and one furlong and worth £84,405 to the winner.
That was the biggest win to date for Ogmore-By-Sea’s National Hunt trainer Christian Williams.
Brilliantly ridden by 18-year-old James Bowen from Pembrokeshire, nine-year-old Potters Corner, a faller in his two previous races, ploughed through the mud and rain to score by two lengths from MS Parfois.
The 50th @MarstonsBrewery Midlands Grand National Winner – POTTERS CORNER! 🏆👏
Congratulations to @james_bowen_, @CWilliamsRacing and all connections!#MarstonsMGN 🏇 pic.twitter.com/It4tWpm4U9
— Uttoxeter Racecourse (@UttoxeterRaces) March 16, 2019
Prime Venture, trained in the Vale by Evan Williams and ridden by stable jockey Adam Wedge, finished fourth of the 18 starters.
Christian, one-time assistant trainer to no-relation Evan Williams, said: “It’s great.
“He was a bit wobbly in his previous races the Eider Chase and the Somerset National, but he’s pulled his jumping together now.
“We’ve worked hard at it over the last fortnight and it’s all come together now. It’s great to win a race like this and James is a special talent.”
COUGAR’S GOLD wins The H Brown & Son Recycling Handixap Steeple Chase. Congratulations to all connections! pic.twitter.com/9tIuYjdxKf
— Uttoxeter Racecourse (@UttoxeterRaces) March 16, 2019
James, like Christian a former point-to-point rider, said: “Potters Corner was always travelling well. I think I used to send him into his fences too much asking for big ones.
“This was a much different race in slower ground. He’s done great and has a big heart.”
Later in the afternoon, Bowen, riding his father Peter’s Cougar’s Gold, won the handicap hurdle race at 17-2 chance.