Super-sub Danny Tudhope shines as Prydwen storms to victory in BetUK All-Weather Championships Marathon Handicap

Danny Tudhope took full advantage of a spare ride on Prydwen (10/1) as he guided the six-year-old to a decisive win in the BetUK All-Weather Championships Marathon Handicap.

With Benoit de la Sayette unable to make it to the course in time, Tudhope stepped in on the George Scott-trained stayer, who had gone down by a neck to Spartan Army on Lingfield Park’s AWC Trials Day earlier this month.

Having tracked leader Palace Boy, Prydwen took over in front three furlongs from home and quickened away from the field entering the final furlong to prevail by three and a half lengths.

Duke Of Oxford (18/1) closed late to take the runner-up spot, narrowly beating Spartan Army (5/1) and Howth (33/1) in a bunch finish for the minor honours, with 9/2F favourite Vaguely Royal finishing fifth.

Danny Tudhope said: “A late spare! Prydwen gave me a lovely ride. He did all the hard work. I was in a nice position early and he was happy where he was. I was always confident, always going well.

“I did not know too much about his form, as it was a late call up. George said this track might not play into his strengths, but I was happy where I was and with the pace. We controlled it from the front and he gave me a lovely ride.

“I literally came in off the last ride and got the call up. You have to quickly go through the form, a quick read about his past, and George told me a bit about him. I am pleased for the team. Kathleen, who was leading him up, rides him out every day – credit to her.”

Tyler Heard said of the second: “Duke Of Oxford has run a blinder. He has come back from a bit of time off – he was disappointing when he ran here the last day, but he had a bit of sparkle in him today.

“I should think he has a good race in him off his mark, and I think he might even be a bit better on the grass. He loves that trip. It was a great run.”

Prydwen after winning the BetUK All-Weather Championships Marathon Handicap (credit: Grossick Racing Photography)

1.53pm BetUK All-Weather Championships Marathon Handicap

1 Prydwen (Blue Starr Racing) George Scott 6-9-03 Danny Tudhope 10/1

2 Duke Of Oxford (A Cope, B Roberts and J Biggane) Michael Bell 4-8-05 Tyler Heard (3) 18/1

3 Spartan Army (McNeill Family & Patrick and Scott Bryceland) Alan King 5-8-13 David Probert 5/1

13 ran

9/2F Vaguely Royal (5th)

George Scott – 1st Finals Day winner

Danny Tudhope – 2nd Finals Day winner