Joel Parkinson enjoys biggest win of his career as O'Connell strikes ...

Joel Parkinson enjoyed the biggest winner of his career since joining forces with Sue Smith when O'Connell won the Lincolnshire National. 

The runner already holds a special place in Parkinson's heart as he gave the joint-trainer his first winner in the partnership at Carlisle on the first day of the month, and the eight-year-old followed up that short-head victory by landing this feature 3m3½f contest.

It was a more commanding performance this time as he looked comfortably in control under Theo Gillard before the 15-8 favourite Kelce, who was a length adrift, fell at the final fence. O'Connell returned a 3-1 chance. 

"That's my biggest win yet," Parkinson said. "I'm really pleased with him. It looked like a matter of when he'd put the race to bed and he was given a fantastic ride as well. He's very keen, but he's not particularly difficult to train.

"It took a few runs earlier on in his career for him to get to grips with jumping, but once he did it's been a real asset. It's nice to get a big success for Robbie Peters and Tom Ford as they're great supporters of ours."

On possible next steps for the stayer, he added: "He's a natural National horse. I don't think you could find a trip too far. Going up in the ratings will open a few more doors for him."

Costello denied

Dougie Costello finished second aboard the 11-4 favourite Some Bro on his first jumps ride for three years in the 3m novice handicap chase. Victory went the way of Asa for Joe Williamson and Phil Kirby.

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