Regal Flow scored for the second time in a week
Regal Flow scored for the second time in a week

Regal Flow lands Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter


Five days on from his success at Taunton, Regal Flow defied a penalty to bolt up in the Betfred Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter.

Bob Buckler's charge has been thriving this season and put the race to bed three from home, bursting clear of his rivals and finding plenty for Sean Houlihan to score by 10 lengths at 16/1.

Classic Chase winner Milansbar (16/1) cut out much of the running and kept on well for second, but was left for dead once the 11-year-old Regal Flow took over.

Ballymalin (14/1) returned to form to take a narrow third with top weight Silsol (10/1) running a fine race for fourth under Bryony Frost, while Alfie Spinner fared best of Kerry Lee's trio in fifth.

Click here for the full result and to watch the free race replay

Buckler said: "He's a lovely horse. He came back after Monday and we had to confirm for this meeting before then.

"We did it on the off chance if something went wrong or Taunton was abandoned.

"Monday night when I got home, he came off the lorry and was as perky and chirpy as could be.

"I rang Heather (Dunn, owner) that night and said I was certainly going to think about Saturday.

"Tuesday was the one nice day we had this week, so we turned him out in the field. He bucked and barged all over the place and I thought 'you're feeling very well mate'.

"I rang Heather up and said 'we've got to go for it' and it paid off.

"You always have a bit of self misbelief coming up to the races, thinking 'am I being too greedy and running him too quick'.

"I told Sean if he wasn't happy to look after him.

"We were aiming for the Challenger Series at Haydock in a fortnight. That was the next plan. We'll have to see what the handicapper does on Tuesday."

More from Uttoxeter

Harry Fry endured a frustrating Cheltenham Festival, but for the second year running found comfort at Uttoxeter as Behind Time (3/1) ran out an impressive winner of the Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Novices' Handicap Chase.

Twelve months on from American's facile success in the same contest, Behind Time always travelled well under Niall Madden as he held off the classy Big River, who ran on powerfully but was ultimately unable to concede upwards of a stone and a half to the progressive winner.

Behind Time
Behind Time made the most of the weight he received from the favourite

Clyne was also shouldered with 11st12 under demanding conditions at the Staffordshire track, but once again demonstrated how tough he is with a two-length success over Hitherjacques Lady in the Betfred 'Treble Odds On Lucky 15s' Handicap Hurdle.

Evan Williams' charge hit the front as the race began to unfold but looked vulnerable to the runner-up as well as the smooth-travelling Applesandpierres, only to grind things out in customary fashion.

Clyne (left) defied a big weight at Uttoxeter
Clyne (left) was a popular winner

Ryan Day's 3lb claim helped Agent Louise (11/1) land a second course success in the opening Betfred St Patrick's Day Mares' Handicap Hurdle, while Tom Scudamore rode a winner for his brother, Michael, as Cadeyrn (100/30) reeled in favourite I Just Know in the Betfred 'Home Of Goals Galore' Novices' Hurdle.

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