Josh The Boss wins for Jamie Neild at Aintree

Jamie Neild won at his local track on Saturday when Josh The Boss took the two-mile-four-furlong handicap chase at Aintree. The seven-year-old is owned by Neild’s father, John, and trained by Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies. He finished two and three-quarter lengths ahead of Knight Of Allen, with Bluey third.

Josh The Boss was prominent from the start and disputed the lead before taking it outright at the eleventh fence. Knight Of Allen moved up to chase him after two out, but Neild had about two lengths in hand approaching the last and his mount stayed on to extend that margin. The winner started at 13-2 in the field of 11.

Willy Twiston-Davies felt Josh The Boss had needed his first run of the season at Wetherby and that returning to Aintree, a course he handles well, was a natural next step. Neild was able to let him go forward, and the gelding maintained his position as the race developed behind him.

The win had particular meaning for the family, coming days after the death of Neild’s stepfather. Josh The Boss is named after Neild’s nephew Joshua, and John was there to greet his son after the race.