'I thought it would be a disaster!' - crisis averted as Francky Du Berlais wins

Saturday: Uttoxeter

Sean Bowen admitted a disaster was avoided after Francky Du Berlais defied a final fence error to bravely battle to success in the feature 3m handicap chase.

Last season's Summer Plate winner and Topham Chase fourth motored into the lead between the final two fences and despite putting down on Bowen at the last, the nine-year-old fended off the challenge of Romain De Senam to win by one and three-quarter lengths.

Bowen said: "He travelled well and jumped great. I was confident from three out I was going to get there. I knew Storm Control was ahead of me and is one that dosses until you get to him. He didn't wing the last and I thought it would be a disaster!

"It wasn't planned to get there two out, but as it worked out our rivals missed it. When he gets to the front he pricks his ears so you need to rev him up to see what he does. He's a brave little horse who just keeps coming back for more."

Success for Bowen was the middle leg of a treble on the day, having also won on Boreen Boy in the 2m maiden hurdle and Found On in the 2m6½f handicap chase.

Drought ended

Whatsupwithyou picked up his first victory for nearly two-and-a-half years with a narrow success in the 2m4f handicap hurdle.

Results, replays and analysis

Read these next:

Perfect day for Appleby after Coroebus overturns Native Trail

Royal Ascot target for Umm Kulthum after Listed success

Out on his own - juvenile ace Vauban oozes class to make it nine for Mullins

'You don't always get what you expect' - Rock upsets Epatante in thriller

Mulrennan lands the Hunt Cup on 66-1 shot Redarna on route to a 1289-1 treble

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday