Eurotrek wins Becher Handicap

Eurotrek put up a commanding performance under 11st 12lb to win the totesport.com Becher Handicap.

Admittedly, Liam Heard took a handy 5lb off his back but the 10-year-old still had to lump a hefty burden around for three and a quarter miles over the testing National fences.

Heard settled the 25-1 chance just off the early pace but he had found such a good rhythm that the pair moved up to dispute the lead some way from home.

Paul Nicholls’ charge cruised alongside long-time leader Bewleys Berry with three fences to jump, and despite making a mess of the penultimate obstacle, the pair soon stretched clear of the chasing pack.

Eurotrek veered alarmingly to his left after the final fence but Heard had sufficient time to realign his course and gallop up the Elbow.

Bewleys Berry, 14-1, rallied gamely for Paddy Brennan to take second place, eight lengths behind the winner.

Dunbrody Millar, also sent off at 14-1, was prominent throughout and stuck on well to claim third, a further length in arrears, while Nil Desperandum (8-1) took fourth.

Course specialist Clan Royal got no further than the first fence under Tony McCoy.