Caim Hill and Brian O'Connell on their way to victory in the Midlands National© Photo Healy Racing
Caim Hill landed his second Midlands National with a game performance at Kilbeggan this evening.
The veteran 11-year-old won this big pot back in 2012 and had that year's pilot, Brian O'Connell back on board for this mission.
Philip Fenton 's stable stalwart assumed the lead from Shrapnel and took a few lengths out of the field when popping the third last.
He was hunted down by Rivage D'Or on the run to the last, but O'Connell had a peek over his shoulder on the run-in and kept Caim Hill up to his work as he put three and a half lengths on the runner-up. Fever Pitch at 13/2 got a third-placed reward. Hospital the 11/4 favourite, didn't get home on his first attempt at three miles one.
The winner was well supported throughout the day from as big as 16/1 to an SP of 7/1.
Philip Fenton said: "He's not in love with jumping fences and finds it a big effort. The smaller fences around here suited and the drop of rain helped as he doesn't want extremes of ground.
"He won't jump a fence until the Kerry National, but if he comes out of this okay then he could go for the amateur handicap at Galway. He's very tough and gives his all."
Brian O'Connell's wife Donna gave birth to a baby girl yesterday, the couples first child.
D.N. Russell, rider of Shrapnel trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount's saddle slipped and then he pulled up.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
