Art Of Security takes bumper spoils

Johnny King played his hand late on Art Of Security and it worked a treat as the five-year-old gelding was cajoled to lead close home in the bumper.

The pair raced in rear and was still eighth of the 10 runners with five furlongs left. As one by one the others came off the bridle King crept into fifth over a furlong out. When he went for the whip his charge responded well and stayed on powerfully down the outside to pick up Now Let Go (11/2) with under 100 yards to go. Dylrow at 10/1 occupied third. Roman Gold the 11/4 favourite, finished fifth.

Trainer Sandra Hughes said of the 3/1 winner: "He's a fabulous horse. He'll go out to grass now for the summer as he's very weak.

"The fact that he was able to do that on that ground I was very impressed. He's a good horse."

He was backed from 7/2 to 5/2 before racing.

Hughes also reported Raz De Maree to be "very good" after his runner-up effort in the Midlands National and said that if he got into the Grand National he would take his chance.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson