Royal Shakespeare reels in Contraband

Royal Shakespeare just got the better of long-time leader Contraband to take the Premier Convenience Stores Top Novices' Hurdle.

Contraband set a fierce pace from the moment the tapes went up but despite pulling out more in the home straight, could not hold the 25-1 winner, who just asserted in the final half-furlong.

Royal Shakespeare won the Grade Two contest by a neck to complete a hat-trick, with Fleet Street a further four lengths back in third.

The well-backed favourite Bold Bishop travelled well for most of the extended two-mile event but could fare no better than sixth.