Carruthers put up an admirable display to win the William Hill West Wales National at Ffos Las in the hands of 7lb claiming amateur Nico de Boinville.

The 2011 Hennessy hero (6-1) dug deep on the run-in at the end of three and a half gruelling miles to hold Cannington Brook by two and a quarter lengths, with another 32 lengths to the third horse Alfie Spinner.

Mark Bradstock's stable star, a course winner on Boxing Day, shared pacemaking duties with Shaking Hands until the latter cried enough and after that there was only Cannington Brook standing between Carruthers and glory. And try as Cannington Brook might, he could not get past the gallant winner.

De Boinville said: "He's a complete superstar to ride. He's a privilege to ride and he teaches me. He came up out of my hands a couple of times and he just loves it.

"I wondered if we were going to get home as we went a good gallop, but he kept on pulling out more. He heard the other horse coming and he just found that extra. He's a horse with real heart."

There was a sting in the tail as De Boinville was banned for two days for using his whip above the permitted level.

Ffos Las owner Dai Walters saw his colours carried to victory when the highly promising Top Gamble (2-1) took the William Hill Download The App Novices' Hurdle.

The David Pipe-trained five-year-old put up a tremendous front-running performance on his jumps debut in the hands of Conor O'Farrell as he followed up a course bumper success by six lengths from Sidney Melbourne.

O'Farrell said: "He was very novicey at his hurdles. He's going to be a chaser in time and the hurdles are a bit small, but he just kept galloping and he's ground them into submission. He was a bit green in front and jumping slow. I wanted to make it a test of stamina, and my lad was never going to stop."

Heath Hunter (2-1 favourite) gave Pipe a double when partnered by 7lb claimer Tom Bellamy to take the Walters UK Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests