Thomas Crapper out on his own for Newbury strike

Thomas Crapper bounced back to form in emphatic style to win the Greatwood Gold Cup by 20 lengths from Vic De Touzaine for Charlie Poste and Robin Dickin.

Hollywoodien had held the early lead and stretched the field early on the final circuit. In the testing ground, few ever got within striking distance.

After O Maonlai stumbled and lost all chance at the cross fence, only the long-time leader Vic De Touzaine and Thomas Crapper were left in contention and soon after Charlie Poste sent the winner on and the result was sealed barring a mishap.

The win was just a second over fences in 20 tries for the ten-year-old, who has twice been runner-up at the Cheltenham Festival but took until last April to record a debut chase win over this course and distance.

Trainer Dickin said: "He's such a good horse I could never be frustrated with him, or any of my horses. When mine run bad races I'm frustrated with myself as I've let them down."

Poste said: "The ground was a worry, but you can't really say that as he's annihilated them; his jumping was exceptional and he's electric round here."

Thomas Crapper was cut for a win at the festival on the back of his success. The penalty he receives may help him get into the Brown Advisory Plate, for which he is now a general 16-1 chance.