Massive 66-1 outsider Sir Monty shocks Aintree

Sir Monty routed a decent-looking field to spring a 66-1 shock in the Weatherbys Bank Maiden Hurdle at Aintree today.

The chestnut had shown little on his debut for Peter Bowen earlier this month but proved a different proposition on Merseyside as he bowled along under Paddy Merrigan.

There was a whole host of challengers bunched up behind turning for home and a close finish looked assured, only for the five-year-old to bound clear for a four-length success from the staying-on Bremen.

Bowen said: "I bought him from Amanda Perrett in May and he was a good Flat horse.

"That looked a decent race, but I thought the two-mile trip may have been too sharp and it may have got him beat.

"We'll have to see where we go from here."

Only two runners went to post for the Amberleigh House Novices' Chase and Howard Johnson's Cedrus Libani was never headed as he made all under Denis O'Regan for a two-length success.

The recent Carlisle winner was sent off the 4-5 favourite and always had the measure of Tramantano, who was reappearing after falling at Cheltenham last weekend.

Johnson said: "He's a nice horse and is an improver, but it is a shame there were just two runners.

"He jumps great but is better at speed which is why we made the running.

"I don't know if he would be fast enough for the Arkle and I have Arcalis for that race - he has schooled well at home and could run at Ayr in about two weeks."