Racing: Pitman pleased with Smarty performance

Mark Pitman was delighted with the effort of Smarty at Ascot as his preparations for the Martell Grand National gather pace.

Last year’s Aintree runner-up ran well for a long way under intended big-race pilot Tom Scudamore in the Ascot United Football Club Novices’ Hurdle, eventually finishing third to smart pair Stormez and Young Ottoman.