Screaming Colours strikes in Midlands National at Uttoxeter

Screaming Colours continued Ireland's domination from the final day of the Cheltenham Festival when taking the Boulton Group Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter.

William Durkan’s raider, trained in Sandyford in Dublin, had just the one run since finishing fourth in this race 12 months ago and targeting the long-distance handicap chase reaped a handsome dividend this time.

Conditional jockey Conor Orr brought his mount into contention in the straight with four fences left and began to bid for honours with El Paso Wood and Truckers Lodge, the winner in 2020.

Screaming Colours had every chance two out and held a definite advantage over the final obstacle. He was ridden out to score as a 12-1 shot from the staying-on Young Dev (10-1).

Last year’s winner Time To Get Up (11-4F) was third and El Paso Wood, an 80-1 outsider, ran a massive race to finish fourth.

There was drama as the field set out on the last of their three circuits when Achille and his jockey Hugh Nugent parted company on the flat.