Son Of Ocovango Gains Compensation In Aintree Grade 3

Langer Dan (6g Ocovango - What A Fashion, by Milan) enjoyed a change of fortune at Aintree, where he landed the opening Grade 3 hurdle on the second day of the Grand National Festival.

Brought down at just the second flight in the Martin Pipe Hurdle, Dan Skelton’s charge was sent off joint-favourite of the 21 horse field and was ridden towards the back of the field by Harry Skelton. Improving to track the leaders from three out, he was ridden into the lead at the final flight and ran on well to score by a length and three quarters.

“Langer Dan has got a phenomenal attitude,” Dan Skelton said after the race. “I'm chuffed to bits. He's got the heart of a lion.”

When quizzed on future targets, he added, “I believe he's ready for the next level, whether he's good enough to win a West Yorkshire Hurdle, we'll go and find out.”

Owned by Colm Donlon, Langer Dan is now a three-time winner at black-type level. He hails from the first crop of Beeches Stud sire Ocovango and is the first foal bred by Hugh O’Connor out of the Milan mare What A Fashion.