BEST OF THE REST

BRYONY FROST captured her biggest prize since joining the professional jockeys’ ranks as Present Man won a thriller for the Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton.

Frost, 22, who rode Pacha Du Polder to victory in the

Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham last March, had to be at her strongest as the Paul Nicholls’ trainee (above) repelled the stubborn challenge of Final Nudge and Leighton Aspell by a head.

“He has the heart of a lion and the braver you are, the braver he is,” said Frost, whose father Jimmy had won the race 21 years ago aboard Coombe Hill.

Nicholls now hopes Present Man will peform at the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree next April.

Ian Williams grabbed a big-race double, completed by Saunter’s triumph under Jim Crowley in Doncaster’s Betfred November Handicap.

Williams had earlier taken the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton with London Prize.