Rejuvenated Hill lands National

Successful twice on the flat recently and having only his second outing over fences this year, the Philip Fenton-trained Caim Hill landed the €50,000 Gigginstown House Midlands National in Kilbeggan last night.

Ridden by Brian O’Connell, the nine-year-old wore down Osana on the long run-in (the last fence was omitted due to the low-lying sun) to triumph by six-and-a-half lengths, with reserves Supreme Doc and Victrix Gale (5/2 favourite) filling third and fourth spots.

A delighted Philip Fenton explained: “He lost his way completely after taking a heavy fall and we went back on the flat with him, to get his confidence back. We started schooling him again and, once he warned to the job again, everything has come together slowly. He warmed up after jumping a few tonight, although he went left a couple of times.