Neptune Collonges to return home for hero's welcome

Shropshire's first Grand National winner for 15 years will head back to the county to a hero's welcome on Thursday.

Neptune Collonges will return to the Cosford base of owner John Hales for a celebration reception after his thrilling victory at Aintree on Saturday.

A selection of close family and friends will attend the party, along with winning jockey Daryl Jacobs.

"It's going to be an unbelievable day," said Lisa Hales, John's daughter.

"We are going to have a big bash for him in the summer but this is the chance for us to celebrate Neptune's success close to Grand National day.

"People who have been big supporters of the family will be there and also the staff who look after the horses up here."

It will be the second victory parade of the week for Neptune Collonges after the 11-year-old grey, who has now been retired, attracted a bumper crowd at the Ditcheat stables of champion Paul Nicholls on Sunday. He is then due to join a host of Nicholls' other stable stars on parade at Sandown on Saturday, April 28.

Victory in the world's biggest steeplechase came in the tightest ever National finish as Neptune Collonges staged a late charge to edge out Sunnyhillboy by a nose.

It was the first Shropshire victory in the marathon event since the Steve Brookshaw-trained Lord Gyllene was first past the post in 1997.

Neptune Collonges was, as planned, retired immediately after the race along with another of Hales' star chasers Noland.

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