LUDLOW trainer Henry Daly struck at Aintree races last Sunday when Chicoria rallied to edge-out Champagne Present in a thrilling finish to the EBF Stallions "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle.

Tony McCoy had ridden a patient race on the Jonjo O'Neill-trained second favourite Champagne Present, who was kept to the rear for much of the contest as Mr Burgess cut out the running.

From the third-last onwards McCoy made ominous progress, eventually getting to the front almost on the bridle, but jockey Jake Greenall aboard the Shropshire horse, never gave up on the eventual winner, who challenged on the outside of Champagne Present over the final two hurdles.

In a no-holds barred finish it was Chicoria who was announced the winner by a nose in the colours of Trevor Hemmings at the rewarding odds of 33-1, with the favourite Vintage Vinnie six lengths back in third place.

Daly said the horse only got to the racecourse in time after his box broke down.

"Our box was parked at Chester services and he only got here with a few minutes to spare," said Daly.

"I rang Dave Sherlock, who's a transporter in Cheshire, and he went to pick up the horse and got him here just in time.

"You can get funny results, he's always been all right at home, but this was a nice surprise."