TRUCKERS’ WHEELY GOOD!
Lodge hands Nicholls first Midlands National
Truckers Lodge rolled over his rivals in the Marston’s 61 Deep Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter.
Paul Nicholls’ eight-year-old was a well- supported 6-1 shot for the gruelling contest after chasing home last year’s winner Potters Corner in the Welsh version at Chepstow.
His jockey Lorcan Williams was keen to put that proven stamina to good use and the duo were always prominent as Christmas In April and Just Your Type battled it out at the head of affairs.
The leaders’ exertions began to take their toll on the second circuit and they faded quickly as Bryony Frost sent Joe Farrell (12/1) to the front at the 11th fence.
However, Rebecca Curtis’ horse was a sitting duck for Truckers Lodge who cruised to the front four out and built up a commanding lead in the straight.
Captain Drake (7/1) tried to throw down a challenge but he was no match for the winner who stayed on strongly in the mud to give the Ditcheat handler his first win in the Listed event by 18 lengths.
Joe Farrell kept on gamely for third ahead of Sheneededtherun (16/1) while Ladbrokes Trophy winner De Rasher Counter was pulled up.
Assistant trainer Harry Derham said: “He ran really well in the Welsh National and probably lacked a little experience for that run but he never missed a beat today. He jumped fantastically well and nothing went wrong. He was primed to the minute by Paul and I’m delighted for everyone involved.”
Sam’s Adventure (6/1) was also impressive in the valuable 1834 Novices’ Handicap Chase.
Brian Ellison’s gelding was held up for most of the three-mile trip by Henry Brooke but made rapid headway to seize the lead from Over To Sam (9/1) two out.
Musical Slave (8/1) began to eat into the gelding’s lead in the home straight but he could never get to the winner who scored by a length with Over To Sam a game third.
Main Fact (5/1) rounded off a remarkable five-timer in the Burton Union Handicap Hurdle.
David Pipe’s gelding has gone up 28 lbs since scoring at Warwick in January but showed no ill effects as he travelled smoothly in rear under skilled amateur Fergus Gillard.
The race was as good as over once the seven-year- old collared leader Any Drama three out and he powered clear in the closing stages to record his f irst success over 2m 4f by 15 lengths.
Kateson (13/2) made rapid late headway to take second ahead of Remastered (8/1) while 4/1 jolly Dostal Phil never figured and was pulled up three out.