CHEPSTOW, United Kingdom - Trainer Venetia Williams, one of only two women to train the winner of the Grand National, sent out Emperor's Choice to win Saturday's Welsh National at Chepstow.
The well-backed 9-1 shot prevailed in a gripping climax to the gruelling marathon, claiming Wales' most prestigious race by a mere short head from Benvolio (11-1). The 33-1 outsider Glenquest took third, two and a half lengths back.
Emperor's Choice was ridden by Aiden Coleman who said: "I've ridden some big winners in my career but this tops, it, I don't know why.
"I've never had a feeling like that when the photo was called, it's such a prestigious race and to win it for Venetia and the team is great. These are great owners of ours.
"Venetia is a world class trainer and she deserves better horses."
Williams claimed her place in racing's history books when training Mon Mome to win the Grand National in 2009.
The only previous woman to achieve that feat was Jenny Pitman, who won the Aintree showpiece first staged in 1839 twice, with Corbiere in 1983 and Royal Athlete in 1995.
AFP
