Dineur (chestnut, white face) jumping on his way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Dineur showed his appreciation for a return to the Grand National fences by going one better than 12 months ago in the Randox Foxhunters' Chase at Aintree.
After finishing second to On The Fringe last year, the 11-year-old emphatically turned the tables on that rival when staying on strongly under James King.
Having finished a well-held second on his most recent start at Chepstow, the Mickey Bowen-trained gelding was sent off a 16-1 chance to capture the two-mile-five affair.
Kept handy throughout by King, he joined leader Darwins Fox at the last and forged on into a clear lead at the elbow.
Although 15-year-old Big Fella Thanks tried to match strides with the eventual winner, it was left to Balnaslow to chase home Dineur, with a length and three-quarters separating them at the line.
Favourite On The Fringe was pulled up before the second-last.
King said: "He was brilliant, it was a bit lairy over the first couple but then we got into a nice rhythm.
"The horse is fine, he just went into the cooling area as he got a bit warm.
"Given what happened last year when I was mindful that he tired a bit after the last I just held on to him a bit longer.
"It got rough on the elbow but I think in those situations you are best just to put your head down and keep your line.
"I'm down to a 5lb claim now and just enjoying it, but we'll review it at the end of the season and see what my boss Neil Mulholland has to say."
Bowen said: "He's quite tired and he's got a bit of a nick, but he's gone back to his stable and he's fine.
"He's an amazing horse. I felt all the way through he was in better form this year as last season he was coming back from a leg injury.
"Hopefully we can try again next year."
