Nicto de Beauchene takes Uttoxeter honours

Nicto de Beauchene jumped his rivals ragged to win the totescoop6 Record £3.2 Million Bonus Novices' Handicap Chase at Uttoxeter today.

Given a very positive ride by Daryl Jacob, the 12-1 chance put in some spectacular leaps on his way to victory and bounded clear on the second circuit.

A blunder three out slowed him down a little but the eight-year-old powered clear to beat Andrew Nick by 12 lengths with It's In The Stars back in third.

Richard Young, assistant to Robert and Sally Alner who trained the winner, said: "Ideally he wants plenty of cut in the ground and when I walked the course with Daryl beforehand, he thought it was riding on the dead side.

"The handicapper clobbered him for his win at Wincanton in December and whether he runs again this season is very much rain dependent."

Snake Charmer (18-1) ran out a game winner of the John Smith's Hucknall Constitutional Club Handicap Hurdle.

Milton Harris' six-year-old was prominent throughout under David Crosse who made full use of his light-weight.

In an incident-packed race - Another Brother and the well-backed Sangfroid were early casualties - it was best to be out in front away from any dangers.

Victorias Groom travelled into the race ominously well but his welter-burden of 11st 12lb took its toll and he was two lengths down at the line with Mumbles Head third.

"He'll be going over fences next season even though his schooling hasn't been without its blemishes," said Harris.

"He's a tough competitor and did it the hard way on what was his fifth run in quick succession.

"I think that cut in the ground helps his jumping and if we get a bit of cut at the start of the Flat, he may run in a staying race somewhere."

Russian Trigger outstayed his rivals to win the John Smith's Midlands Grand National.

Victor Dartnall's youngster looked booked for second when Flintoff shot clear in the straight.

However, despite having only his fourth start over fences, Jack Doyle persuaded the seven-year-old to run on again and pass Flintoff after the last to win by two and a quarter lengths.

Irish raider Hold The Pin cruised into contention but found little off the bridle in finishing third.

"I knew that he had a live chance because all he does is gallop," said Doyle.

"I got bumped jumping the first in the straight and Flintoff jumped past me.

"At the last Flintoff was a little bit slow but I winged it and once he got within half a length, he picked up and went again."

Dartnall added: "Like all our horses he had the virus around Christmas time and was shut away for a month.

"Today he's won his second National (after landing the Kent National) and apart from one error, his jumping was superb.

"I'd like to hope that he would be a Grand National horse next season because he would stay 10 and a half miles.

"If he comes out of this OK we may look towards the Scottish National."