Johnny Burke lands Red Rum on Bentelimar

First-time cheekpieces worked the oracle for Bentelimar in the Zut Media Red Rum Handicap Chase.

Dropped in trip by trainer Charlie Longsdon after several runs over further this season, he arrived on the scene at the second-last absolutely cruising.

Kicked on by Johnny Burke, he took four lengths out of the field but Theinval came charging out of the pack to lay down a challenge.

But Bentelimar (10-1) kept up the gallop to win by three and a quarter lengths. Gino Trail who put the pace to the race, stayed on for third, with Doitforthevillage fourth.

Burke said: "To be fair to the horse, he was brilliant. He stays well and the strong pace helped.

"He was a little bit brave to start with and then he got clumsy, but the cheekpieces woke him up."

Longsdon said: "We've been thinking he's seriously well handicapped ever since he arrived from Ireland. It's taken its time, but he's shown it today.

"He'd been on the go all last summer in Ireland, running in the Galway Plate and the Kerry National, and all this winter here. I thought this might be one race too many for this season and he'd go and win first time out next season in a big chase.

"He didn't run any race over two and a half at Kempton last time, but I knew he was well handicapped to win a big race. He'll go out in the field now.

"It's great for Johnny. It's been a tough first year in England for him, but he tries very hard and he's proved he is top class."