Bertie May wins at Exeter

Bertie May collected at the first time of asking over timber to provide trainer Kevin Bishop with a welcome change of fortune in division one of the Exeter Novices' Hurdle today.

The Bridgewater handler had gone 68 days without a winner, in which time he'd also seen his stable star Ashley Brook put in a woeful performance at Ascot.

Things looked much better after his grey, sent off an 11-4 chance, crossed the line with a four-length advantage under Darren O'Dwyer.

Bishop said: "The track suited him as he is a big, galloping horse and can only improve.

"He has a fair engine but doesn't really have a change of gear, and is still a big baby.

"He will jump a fence but will stay over hurdles this season and will be suited by the better and more competitive races in the longer term."