He's only gone and done it! Ashington records first Ursa win

Well they always said that good things come to those who wait - and Ashington proved that today, by finally getting the Ursa monkey off his back at Cartmel.

Given an absolute stunner of a ride by Becky Smith the nine year old looked the likely winner from some way out as he scorched home by three lengths.

It has been a patient wait for owners to visit the winner’s room and it could not mean more to us, with Ash becoming a firm favourite, placing more often than not.

He was also our first runner at Cheltenham - and has taken owners to other major courses and days along the way.

It was great race planning by Mark Walford, as he landed the £12k-to-the-winner contest in fine fashion, after coming fourth in the same heat last year.

Special praise must also go to Becky Smith, who has had her fair share of bad injuries - but delivered a peach of a ride here.