THE Grade 2 Virginbet Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase at Aintree was memorable for a good front-running ride from Brian Hughes on Minella Dreams and perhaps not such a well-judged effort from Derek Fox on Ahoy Senor, who finished well in third.

The pace was moderate, with Minella Dreams getting an unpestered lead and able to save energy for a strong finish. He was 6lb lower in the weights than when second last year, but the most significant part of this victory was the ride that he got.