'It was an absolute thrill!' - Lorcan Williams celebrates Midlands National win

Truckers Lodge won the Marston's 61 Deep Midlands Grand National in comfortable fashion to give Paul Nicholls his first victory in the race.

The eight-year-old was prominent throughout and cruised clear of Joe Farrell and Captain Drake after jumping the last to score by 18 lengths.

He proved his affinity for heavy ground when finishing second in December's Welsh National to Potters Corner, who won the race last season, and showed that effort was no fluke under Lorcan Williams.

"It was an absolute thrill!" said Williams. "I get on really well with the owners so I'm delighted to ride a big winner for them. He's a really progressive type and was foot perfect the whole way round."

Truckers Lodge (left) kicks on after jumping the last to win the Midlands NationalCredit: Steve Davies

Harry Derham, assistant trainer to Nicholls, added: "He ran really well in the Welsh National and probably lacked a little experience for that run but he never missed a beat today. He jumped fantastically well and nothing went wrong. He was primed to the minute by Paul and I’m delighted for everyone involved."

Captain Drake finished second despite stumbling at the last with jockey Bryan Carver doing well to stay on his mount, with Joe Farrell three-quarters of a length back in third.

Sheneededtherun has risen 25lb this season having won her last four races and held on to take fourth.

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