Jefferson and Hughes take Red Rum

Malcolm Jefferson saw his decision to drop Double W's back down in trip vindicated with a game success in the Betway Red Rum Handicap Chase at Aintree.

After finding two and a half miles beyond him at the Cheltenham Festival, the seven-year-old stuck his neck out in game fashion under Brian Hughes on his return to two miles.

In race which changed rapidly late on, the 8-1 chance rallied past Theinval having jumped the last almost together before prevailing by a length.

Hughes said: He's been a grand horse this, we've always held him in similar regard to Cloudy Dream and he was unlucky in the first.

"We thought this lad would win the novice handicap at Cheltenham and he came there looking like he'd win but he didn't get up the hill.

"As he's getting older he's getting stronger and quicker. He's still a novice but he doesn't jump like one.

"I'm delighted for the owners and Malcolm, they've had to be very patient because he's a big lad and taken time to come to himself."

He went on: "Malcolm has had a brilliant season, he's got a great team and he buys a nice type of horse, this lad cost 8,000 as a store.

"With this lad, Cloudy Dream and Waiting Patiently he's got some nice novices.

"His health hasn't been great this season so hopefully this will make him feel better."

Jefferson, who has been battling ill health, said: "He's a grand horse. It's a tough game this, we thought we'd win the first race. It's great to win here. It means a lot.

"I'm very happy. It was a good run at Doncaster when he was second to a horse with quite a lot of experience in handicaps.

"After Cheltenham, Brian said he thought he'd win the Red Rum and he was right. He's a real nice horse and he could improve again with another summer on his back. He's done well.

"There is a two-mile handicap at Ayr, but we'll see how he comes out of it."