Ask The Umpire mid-division, ridden and headway 8th, not much room on inside briefly bend approaching 2 out, stayed on under pressure on long run-in to lead last stride

Smart Boy Prince always prominent, went 2nd after 8th, led after 2 out, hard ridden on long run-in, caught last stride

Sycho Fred held up in touch, chased leader 6th, hit 8th, soon lost 2nd, hard ridden and one pace on long run-in

Vicario led, ridden after 8th, headed after 2 out, one pace on long run-in

Makandy held up in rear, not fluent 7th, headway on outside approaching 8th, hit 2 out, kept on same pace on long run-in

Papillon De Iena held up in touch, weakened 8th

Colourful Life chased leader to 6th, weakened 8th

Linlithgow behind from 7th

Brendar behind, pushed along approaching 7th, soon struggling

Antigone´s Fire took keen hold towards rear, tailed off when pulled up before 8th

Kirkhammerton always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 8th

This average seller was run at a strong pace throughout, and that played to the strengths of veteran ASK THE UMPIRE. Stamina is his long suit, as four wins up the Towcester hill have proved, and though he still had plenty to do jumping the last, he answered his rider's every call on the run-in to gain the ninth win of his career.

Smart Boy Prince, a decent performer three seasons back when he won a handicap off a mark of 110, has been in decline for some time and was tailed off in a handicap at Market Rasen a week ago. But he had cut out the running that day, and ridden differently here, he looked to be going like a winner turning for home. He still looked in command jumping the last, but this trip stretches his stamina to its limits and he was run out of it close home.

Racing results courtesy of racing post. Please note that ever effort is made to ensure results are correct but I accept no liability for mistakes. The data is provided as a free service.

Please visit my Blog or sign up to my racing forum for the latest news and views.