Racing:Merigo won the Coral Scottish Grand National for the second time with a brave display in the marathon handicap chase at Ayr.
Winner in 2010 and second 12 months ago, the 11-year-old just held the front-running Auroras Encore in a thrilling duel over the last three fences.
The 15-2 winner was ridden by weighing-room veteran Timmy Murphy for his father-in-law owner Raymond Anderson Green, and trained by Lockerbie-based Andrew Parker.
Garleton set a strong pace from the outset, accompanied by Fruity O’Rooney, and it was a gallop that had several of the leading fancies struggling as the field went out on the final circuit.
Quentin Collonges, Walkon, Ikorodu Road and Knockara Beau were among those pulled up while the favourite Harry The Viking never looked like scoring for his co-owner Alex Ferguson.
On the front end, after Garleton gave way down the back straight, it was Auroras Encore who took the bull by the horns under Ryan Mania.
Murphy was wise to the move and patiently brought Merigo to make his challenge in the straight.
Although Auroras Encore (25-1) outjumped him, Merigo’s determination won the day as he gained the verdict by a head.
King Fontaine (40-1) was 15 lengths away third with Ballyfitz (33-1) another nine lengths back in fourth.
Murphy said: “He’s a superstar. Andrew knows him better than anybody and I think he just comes to himself at this time of year.
“The choke was out for a long way and all credit to how deep he dug for me. I couldn’t go any quicker and his jumping was keeping him it. He’s a great horse to own and ride.”
Anderson Green said: “To win it once is dreamland, to come back and do it again - words can’t describe it. It means everything to me to win this race. It was a great ride by Timmy.”