Bear Ghylls survives late scare to maintain unbeaten record for Nicky Martin

Bear Ghylls survived a late challenge from runner-up Gowel Road to maintain his perfect record in the 2m novice hurdle for Nicky Martin.

The five-year-old, who had won his first two starts, was headed by the challenger at the last but the odds-on favourite picked up well to win by a length and a half, with 200-1 shot Blueberg in third.

"I thought he might be beaten," said Martin. "We dropped him back in trip to try to help him settle. He didn't look like a quick horse but showed a lovely attitude and stuck it out well up the straight.