BACK TO FULL SPEED

MATT SAMPSON and Hickstead Speed Derby winner Top Flight True Carlo were back to their speedy best to win the 1.30m grand prix.

Shrugging off the effects of a six-week virus, Christine Spanner’s Theodor 13-year-old successfully pulled off a series of tight turns to head a blanket finish in the 71 starter class.

“He’s only been back in work a week, but when Matt rang and asked if I fancied bringing him to Aintree, I said we’d have a go,” said Christine, who bought “Carlo” as a foal.

“Carlo’s always up to speed and when he’s clear, he’s never far away from the top spot. He was so quick on his turns and we chanced a long run to the last,” said Matt, whose girlfriend Chloe Winchester finished second with Shannondale Sue.