Grand National Festival 2019: Kalashnikov bounces back to form to bag Manifesto Novices’ Chase to land first Grade 1 for trainer Amy Murphy

KALASHNIKOV bounced back to his best to land Amy Murphy’s first Grade 1 in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase.

In a race full of mistakes, Murphy’s chaser jumped best when it mattered and passed La Bague Au Roi on the long home straight.

Despite a shaky leap at the last, the 4-1 shot stayed on bravely to see of a late charge from the hot 7-4 favourite.

A step up in trip worked wonders for Kalashinikov who was an unlucky faller in the Arkle at Cheltenham Festival.

Bags Groove and Spiritofthegames were beaten early on, while Glen Forsa dropped away as the protagonists entered the home straight.

Last to drop off was Mengli Khan who found nothing as stamina came to the fore in the home straight.

Jockey Sean Quinlan said: “I’m lost for words really. We’ve got him back and Amy had him in top shape.

“We’ve come here today and a flat track over two-and-a-half miles suited him really well here.

“He was dissapointing at Sandown but he’s shown the real him today.

“This makes all those early mornings and late nights driving back worth it.”