Jordan Nailor rose in the stirrups and acknowledged the crowd with a salute as Beauport demonstrated its superiority by winning the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter on Saturday.
The jockey conveyed his joy over the eight-year-old's triumph in the £150,000 feature race, as Beauport surpassed the gallant grey and Classic Chase winner My Silver Lining in the final stretch. Ultimately, the mare had to settle for third place, while Mr Incredible, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Brian Hayes, made a late rally to secure second.
This marked the second significant victory for Beauport and Nailor, following their win in the 2021 EBF Final at Sandown. They also claimed a valuable handicap hurdle victory at Uttoxeter on this very same day in 2022, as well as winning the Colin Parker over fences at Carlisle in the same year.
Beauport's performance in top-staying handicap chases this season had been hindered by jumping errors, but the horse made a remarkable comeback in this race, showcasing its tenacity. Beauport returned an 18-1 chance and finished one length and three-quarters ahead of Mr Incredible.
"He's a bit of a big, old lump and the bends were a bit tight for him at times, he was hanging a bit," Nailor shared with ITV Racing. "His jumping's been a challenge over fences a few times but today he was actually good, very, very good, and that's what's won it for him in the end, those last few jumps, and he battled the whole way. He means so much to me this horse, he's given me the best days out ever, so I'm really grateful for the owners for keeping me on. The people here make it a really fun place and it's always a great atmosphere."
Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies secured his second victory in the race with Beauport, following his previous success in 2007 with Baron Windrush.
Although Beauport is not currently entered in the Aintree race, Mr Incredible holds an entry and has seen his odds shorten from 40-1 to 33-1 by bet365. Last year, Mr Incredible was performing well until his saddle slipped, causing jockey Hayes to be unseated at the Canal Turn.