Katachenko and Wayne Hutchinson© Photo Healy Racing
Katachenko proved a fairytale winner for Donald McCain in the Betfred Red Rum Handicap Chase at Aintree.
The McCain name will always be associated with the hallowed Merseyside track and triple Grand National hero Red Rum - and this was a particularly sweet success as McCain junior has not had the easiest of seasons.
The seven-year-old was given a very positive ride by Wayne Hutchinson and was all out to hold off the challenge of Dandridge
There was plenty of drama in the closing stages though as Johnny Burke switched Viconte Du Noyer to the inside of the eventual winner approaching the last.
The grey jumped that obstacle slowly but then tried to rally as Katachenko drifted to his left under a right-hand drive from Hutchinson; Burke had to snatch his mount up but Viconte Du Noyer did rally and close up again for third.
The stewards called a review into the incident.
The winner was returned at 9/1 with the winning distances half a length and a length and three quarters.
McCain said: "It was magic. We aimed for Cheltenham and we didn't get in. We managed to get beat around Carlisle the other day because it is the wrong way round as he does hang quite badly left. I thought we would get away with it but we didn't.
"We had a big talk, myself, Mick (Meagher, racing manager to Hemmings). We had him in here and the Topham, but he is only a novice so we thought we would come here.
"We weren't 100 per cent sure he would have the early speed to go with the proper two-milers, but Wayne (Hutchinson) has given him a peach and he has jumped great for a novice and that's what has won it really."
Hutchinson said: "When he got beat at Carlisle I said that wasn't him. Fair play to Donald, he has come here in a competitive handicap and the ground has come right and he served it up to them.
"This lad gets the trip well and he will get further in time. "
