'It would have finished most horses' - Yala Enki overcomes error for gutsy win

Paul Nicholls hailed Yala Enki as 'so strong and tough' after the admirable 11-year-old survived a shuddering error to bravely battle back and land successive renewals of the Weatherbys Portman Cup.

The son of Nickname has been a mainstay in major staying handicaps throughout his career and finished third in the Coral Welsh Grand National for the second year in a row on his previous start two weeks ago.

Despite the quick turnaround and blundering his way through the fourth-last fence, he stayed on dourly to repel the challenge of If The Cap Fits under Bryony Frost in Taunton's feature contest of the year.

"It was a lovely performance having only ran a fortnight ago and it was a great sit by Bryony," Nicholls said. "He often takes a chance at one and for most horses that would have finished them, but he's so strong and tough. He out-galloped them.

"He's so genuine and the handicapper doesn't give him any respite, so these races are great for horses like him. It's good he can get his head in front because he deserves to."

Despite Yala Enki being trimmed by Paddy Power and Betfair into 33-1 (from 40) for the Randox Grand National, Nicholls could seek victory in the Coral-backed Scottish version.

He added: "Where we'll go now I don't know, the trouble is he likes plenty of cut and we'll focus on soft ground. I'd love to see him in a Scottish National one day on really soft ground, but at the back end of the season you're never guaranteed that."

Brewin'upastorm: connections are looking firmly forward nowCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Brewin'upastorm back to his best

The classy Brewin'upastorm got his career firmly back on track with an easy victory in the 2m3f seniors' handicap hurdle.

Touted as a top-class prospect following his novice hurdling campaign, the eight-year-old lost his confidence over fences according to trainer Olly Murphy, but could still fulfil his promise following his authoritative 11-length success.

A jubilant Murphy said: "I'm delighted he's back to his best. The race probably should've been called the Brewin'upastorm Hurdle because he was seriously impressive.

"He has such a big engine, hopefully we can carry on down this route and he can be a very good hurdler for the rest of his life."

Stellar win for Magic

Jockey Tom O'Brien reckons Stellar Magic could be a smart prospect for Philip Hobbs this season after he maintained his unbeaten record with a gritty victory in the 2m3f novice hurdle.

Results, replays and analysis

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