Shraheen (11/2) defied top weight of 12 stone in the Midlands National Day Friday 12th July Handicap Hurdle.

Prominent throughout under Niall Moore, the Mount Nelson gelding led two out and stayed on well after the last to hold Riyami by two and three-quarter lengths.

It was a first win for Thomas Coleman's five-year-old who is trained by Philip Fenton.

Fenton said: “He’s his own worst enemy as he normally races with the choke out but today he relaxed a little better.

“I’m delighted that he’s won a race. He’s a lovely big fella and looks a chaser.

“Mentally he’s still a little backward but he’ll be a grand horse when he grows up.”

Quotes from Alan Magee