Timiyan takes feature and brings up Elliott's double

Gordon Elliott saddled a one-two in the featured Midlands National Handicap Chase as Timiyan got up to deprive Rogue Angel close home.

Rogue Angel, on his first start for Elliott, made a bold bid for glory when he picked up the lead with a circuit to go.

It was Timiyan and Mark Walsh though, who came home strongest to foil him by a neck at 12/1 for owner JP McManus.

Runner-up Rogue Angel and Jack Kennedy went off 4/1 joint favourite. Full Cry was 22 lengths further back in third at 8/1.

Gordon Elliott said: "I knew barring a disaster we were going to have the one-two so it's great. We got the right result anyway and it didn't matter which one won, we're happy with it anyway.

“The winner has a bit of an engine and he's a nice horse. He's in the Plate but we'll enjoy today and see what happens.

“Maybe more of a slog would have suited Rogue Angel and Jack said he had a bit of a blow at the wrong time but he'll come on from the run. He'll be okay too.

“I think it's about the only National we hadn't won so it's nice to win it.”

Timiyan gave Elliott a double as Barra landed the preceding race on the card - the beginners' chase under Kennedy.

The Stewards interviewed Mr S Cavanagh, rider of fifth-placed Newsworthy concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended Mr S Cavanagh for one race day.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson