Jango Baie (Evens Favourite) went one better than in last month’s Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup when coming home the 16-length winner of the Grade One Racing Welfare Bowl over three miles and a furlong.

Partnered by Nico de Boinville, the seven-year-old was left clear when Impaire Et Passe parted company with Paul Townend two fences from home.

This was Jango Baie’s second Grade One triumph at Aintree following his win in the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle on Boxing Day in 2023.

Winning trainer Nicky Henderson: “Might Bite was second in the Gold Cup and came here and won, but he was a rogue. This one isn’t a rogue - he’s a lovely horse. He was full of it today - it’s testament to the horse; he’s still fresh.

“I can’t see any reason not to go for the two obvious races, the King George and the Gold Cup, the same horses will be with us, and we’ll have to see.

“Coming here was the only option after the Gold Cup. We had the extra week this year; it’s always hard. Both horses - him and Lulamba - came here great. What happened with Lulamba - he was fresh as paint and in great shape, well done everyone at home - but it was tough for Nico for that to happen and to come to another Grade One and have to pick yourself up, that’s testament to a proper Group One jockey.”

Successful owner Tony Barney said: “It’s great for Nicky and Nico - they’ve supported me, really, all the way, because I’m a difficult character. He keeps me on my toes, and I listen to what he says - the man’s a genius, a legend in horseracing, and to do what he’s done today proves it.

“The horse is phenomenal. They’ve got a great team around them and they believe in what we do. I’m absolutely delighted.”

Nico de Boinville, the winning jockey, said: “We went an end-to-end gallop which only Protektorat can do, and I wanted to keep tabs on him as I wasn’t sure he’d come back, but then he did and he’s come back on the bridle and taken me there. I said no,no no and I was probably thinking about it too much. The boss said to just wait, and he’ll find that kick, particularly on a flat track, then he winged two out and I couldn’t believe nobody else was there. I gave him a couple of cracks, which I shouldn’t have done, but I didn't realise we were on our own.

“The guv’nor has done it before with Might Bite and we had four weeks this time since the Gold Cup, and the extra week really helps

“My stomach was on the floor going into the race after Lulamba. He was travelling really well and I thought he jumped the fence cleanly but suddenly he pecked on landing. His back-end must have overtaken the front and he’s gone down on his knees and then come back up and pushed me out of the way. It happens a lot. It’s gravity, and I wished I was on the moon! It was the right trip, and he’ll be a year older next year.”

Dan Skelton, trainer of the second Protektorat, said: “Fair play to the younger horse with the younger legs, but what a horse Protektorat is. That’s how you want to live your life - go out and race, do your job and still love it at his age.

 

“We’ll see how it goes next season, but if at any point he says he’s had enough we’ll listen to him. If we get to a point where we can get him to the Fleur de Lys Chase that will be his last run anyway, win, lose or draw.”

His jockey brother Harry added: “That was brilliant. He wears his heart on his sleeve. You are a bit of a passenger on his back to be honest, but he’s run another game race. He’s tough and he never gives up We are very proud of him.”