Himalayan On Top Of World

Mar 16 2008 By Rockavon

HIMALAYAN TRAIL scaled the heights of stamina as he romped to victory in the Midlands National.

The 16-1 shot was always travelling well for claimer Tjade Collier.

And when Sue Smith's nine-year-old jumped into the lead at the fourth last the writing was on the wall for his rivals in the Uttoxeter marathon. He eventually put 22 lengths between himself and the runner-up Badgerlaw (15-2). The Dark Lord (12-1) stayed on to claim third with Model Son fourth at 16-1.

Winning jock Collier said: "I couldn't believe how far clear he was when I looked round but he had such a low weight I thought I'd best make use of it. He was getting tired towards the end but by that time it didn't really matter."

Meanwhile, Hattan made the perfect start to his campaign when springing a minor surprise under Seb Sanders in the Winter Derby at Lingfield.

Sent off a 14-1 chance, Clive Brittain's charge sat just off the pacesetters before bursting through to take command at the furlong marker. Hattan stole a crucial break on the field and saw out the 10 furlongs well to clinch a two-length win over 7-2 favourite Silver Pivotal.

The runner-up, who broke widest of all from stall 14, was forced to tuck in behind the rest of the field.

Jamie Spencer looked to have a mountain to climb as the field headed home.

But once clear Gerard Butler's filly flew home to grab second with 22-1 shot Great Hawk a close-up third.

Delighted trainer Brittain said: "Hattan is a big horse and weighs a lot more than he did last year.

"Almost all his family have gone on to improve as they've got older.

"He's closely related to Warrsan and Luso and they were top horses who were at their best when they were five and even older."