Miko de Beauchene battled to win the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock to add to his Welsh National success.
Welsh National winner takes the Gold Cup at Haydock.
Miko de Beauchene battled to a thrilling victory in the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock to land a second long-distance prize of the season.
Andrew Thornton had to earn his money as he and his mount were pushed all the way by 66-1 outsider Flintoff before eventually winning by a length.
Robert Alner's charge had won the Welsh National back in December, and repeated the success with a brave victory in the three-mile four-furlong contest at Haydock.
Paul Nicholls' L'Aventure and Alan King's D'Argnet both battled it out with the leaders in the closing stages, but in the end they had to settle for third and fourth respectively a long way back.
17-2 shot Miko de Beauchene took the spoils, which should give his trainer some joy as he remains in hospital after a serious neck injury.
Favourite
Geeveem was sent off the 11-2 favourite but he made a series of jumping errors early on and was never travelling as Harrycone Lewis and D'Argent set the early pace.
Thornton was content to settle in the pack and bide his time, taking up a more prominent position as the leaders began to fade under pressure.
Philson Run, another of the leading contenders, lost his chance when brought down by Sixo four fences from home while Miko de Beauchene travelled sweetly for Thornton.
He looked set to pull away after hitting the front but Flintoff, who was in receipt of a stone from the winner, emerged to chase him home.
French Bliss
Also at Haydock, Kasbah Bliss scored a victory for France in the Grade Two Rendlesham Hurdle to advertise his World Hurdle claims.
The 17-2 shot caught long-timer leader Lough Derg in the closing stages before coming away for a four-length success under Franny Keniry.
Francois Doumen's charge thwarted Lough Derg's chances of a third big win of the season, while there was a disappointing display from Wichita Lineman.
Jonjo O'Neill's Cheltenham Festival hopeful was only a one-paced fourth after being sent off as the 9-4 favourite for the three-mile affair.
Doumen, who twice saddled Baracouda to victory in the stayers' hurdle, said:
"I thought the race would bring him on for the World Hurdle, but he has gone and proven himself.
"He will now go to Cheltenham and will like better ground there.
"It is difficult to replace Baracouda but he is coming up, is still very young and is getting there."
