Undersupervision takes Grimthorpe spoils at Doncaster

Undersupervision swooped late to land the Virgin Bet Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster.

Trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and ridden by his son Sam, Undersupervision travelled well throughout the three-and-a-quarter-mile test and eventually denied the game Mister Malarky in a thrilling finish.

The runner-up had looked to be struggling through the early stages as Le Milos and Legends Gold set the early pace, but once Mister Malarky got into a rhythm for Harry Bannister, he made swift progress and grabbed a useful lead with a handful of fences still to jump.

Grand National hopeful Cloth Cap briefly looked as though he might mount a challenge, but the top weight was toiling two from home as Undersupervision emerged as the only real challenger.

Mister Malarky was still in front a stride before the last, but Undersupervision jumped by him and under strong driving from Twiston-Davies, he eventually prevailed by a length and three-quarters.

Cloth Cap kept on for a distant third while favourite Storm Control was pulled up.

The winner had to survive a stewards’ inquiry as the front two got close on the line and while he is entered for both the Ultima Handicap Chase and the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival, the victorious rider said a trip to Prestbury Park is not on the agenda.

“He’s been really good all season and now he’s gone up the handicap a bit. He got punished for coming second in a novice, which I didn’t think they could do but somehow they did,” Twiston-Davies said.

“He’s gone really well since, he’s been very unlucky not to have won one, but it’s great to get his head in front today.

“He’s won by far enough, it was poor riding on my behalf as it’s quite easy just to pull your stick through but it’s a Grimthorpe, you just want to win, it’s a prestigious race.

“It’s my fault so I’ll take that, he was looking round in front which was a shame but at least he’s got his head in front.

“He’s entered (at Cheltenham) but he won’t go, it was all about today.”

Twiston-Davies received a three-day ban (March 19-21 inclusive) for careless riding in the finish.