Screaming Colours takes Midland National glory

Screaming Colours continued Ireland’s domination from Cheltenham when taking the Boulton Group Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter.

William Durkan’s raider from County Dublin had just the one run since finishing fourth in this race 12 months ago, and targeting the long-distance handicap chase reaped a handsome dividend this time.

Conditional jockey Conor Orr, who claims 3lb, brought his mount into contention in the straight with four fences left and began to bid for honours with El Paso Wood and Truckers Lodge, the winner in 2020.

Screaming Colours (12-1) had every chance two out and held a definite advantage over the final obstacle. He was ridden out to take the glory from the staying-on Young Dev (10-1) with last year’s winner Time To Get Up, the 11-4 favourite, in third.

El Paso Wood, an 80-1 outsider, ran a massive race to finish fourth, while there was drama as the field set out on the last of their three circuits when Achille and his jockey Hugh Nugent parted company on the flat.