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he Philip Hobbs-trained veteran Wishfull Thinking showed his abundant talent remains very much intact with a runaway success under Richard Johnson in the Betfred Monet's Garden Old Roan Chase at Aintree.
Having finished second in the race two years ago and sixth last season, the 11-year-old was a 14-1 shot to make it third time lucky, but it was not looking great at the halfway stage as Johnson crouched lower in the saddle to ensure his mount did not fall away.
The complexion of the race changed before the turn for home as those who had been ridden aggressively beginning to feel the pinch, and Wishfull Thinking got his second wind. H e was picking off rivals one by one in the straight and scooted clear before a huge leap at the final obstacle sealed an emphatic 12-length victory.
Edgardo Sol edged out Rolling Aces for the runner-up spot.
The winning trainer's wife, Sarah Hobbs, said: "Richard said the other horses were going too fast for him for most of the race, but then they started to stop and he just picked up and took off. He jumped fantastically and then ballooned the last - just because he's so well.
"He's been a star for us and he's 11 now. I think we're just getting to know him! He's had two wind operations and I think the better ground today has helped. I've no idea where he'll go next. That will be up to the trainer, who is at Chepstow."
Lie Forrit repelled all-comers in a thrilling Betfred Mobile Veterans' Chase.
Lucinda Russell's 10-year-old set out to make every yard in the hands of Peter Buchanan, producing a number of prodigious leaps to keep up the momentum, and after seeing off Hey Big Spender, he would not be denied when Pigeon Island began to make significant inroads to challenge after the final fence. There was a neck in it at the line.
The winner is part-owned by Leslie Gillies, the mother of jockey Campbell Gillies, who tragically died while on holiday in Greece two years ago. The young rider guided Lie Forrit to seven victories when formerly trained by William Amos.
Russell said: "It's just brilliant and I was delighted with his jumping. He jumped super all the way and was never going to get beat. It's great for Campbell's family and it's quite emotional, actually.
"These veterans' chases are brilliant as you admire every horse that's running in them and they all give their all. We ran this horse in the Scottish National at the end of last season and he disappointed. Whether he didn't get home or it was just the end of a long season, I'm not sure. We might have another go at it next spring."