Resolute stayer Synchronised helped Tony McCoy complete a grand slam of National victories in the Welsh version at Chepstow.The event, carried over from Christmas, will not earn the champion jockey the same widespread recognition as his triumph aboard Don't Push It at Aintree last year.But he joins Ruby Walsh as the only current rider to have lifted the great handicap chases of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.Synchronised (5-1) had preceded Don't Push It's success by winning the Midlands Na

Resolute stayer Synchronised helped Tony McCoy complete a grand slam of National victories in the Welsh version at Chepstow.

The event, carried over from Christmas, will not earn the champion jockey the same widespread recognition as his triumph aboard Don't Push It at Aintree last year.

But he joins Ruby Walsh as the only current rider to have lifted the great handicap chases of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Synchronised (5-1) had preceded Don't Push It's success by winning the Midlands National last March and it appeared inevitable he would be involved in the finish with McCoy always looking confident.

Trainer Jonjo O'Neill had given the gelding just two races over hurdles this term and although there had been market confidence during the week, he was usurped as favourite on the day by Maktu (9-2).

Pat Murphy's star played a major part before finishing fifth but he was outshone by Victor Dartnall's Midlands National third Giles Cross, who ran a mighty race from the front under Harry Skelton and appeared to be travelling within himself into the final half-mile.

However, the fact they had already ploughed through more than three miles of Chepstow mud was bound to have an effect and Synchronised moved dangerously alongside with a couple of fences left to jump.

As talented as Skelton is, McCoy with his eyes on the prize is not a man to be trifled with and he had forged 2-3/4 lengths clear by the line in the iconic green and gold silks of JP McManus.

"I've won the English, Irish and now Welsh Nationals for Jonjo and JP, so that's very special," McCoy said.

"But you always want to win all the good races."

The sponsors Coral now make Synchronised the 14-1 favourite for the Grand National itself but with O'Neill not present, future plans were unclear.

"He took a long time to learn how to jump normal fences and he doesn't jump out at me as a typical National horse," McCoy said.

"He might take to it, hemight not.

"This was the ideal race for him, three miles five furlongs round here on soft ground. I don't know if he has the scope for the Grand National fences, but he did jump better today than he has ever done."

"He's achieved his big target, this was his Gold Cup."