Sail glides to Ascot glory

Midnight Sail breezed past rivals to deny a Paul Nicholls’ hotpot and claim the Wessex Youth Trust “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle at Ascot.

The 7-2 shot responded well to pressure from Robert Thornton before the final flight and surged past the 13-8 favourite Fistral Beach on the level to score by a little under two lengths.

Winning trainer Alan King said: “He has improved with each of his first two runs over hurdles and stepped up again.

“He will stay three miles in time, and while I am in no rush to go that far, the Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham could be his race.”