IT is unusual to see a Paul Nicholls-trained horse carrying only 9st 13lb in a valuable handicap but it happened at Ascot on Saturday as Ulck Du Lin, ridden by talented 7lb claimer Sean Bowen, landed the Byrne Group Handicap Chase and with it a first prize of over £28,000.

Ulck Du Lin (9/2 co-favourite) had lost his way last season, when he ran in this race off a mark 19lb higher. Sent on by Bowen at the third, he made the best of his way home and a good jump at the last settled the issue as the gallant Claret Cloak, trying to concede two stones all bar a pound, joined issue but made a mistake and went down by three-parts of a length. Christopher Wren and Bellenos filled the minor places.

Ulck Du Lin is only six and may follow up although he will never be this well handicapped again. He broke the course record and has clearly benefited from a summer’s rest. Bowen is only 17 and Nicholls is in a position to use him in valuable handicaps like this, just as he did Harry Derham.

“Sean gave him an awesome ride and he’s a lad you have to watch out for,” said winning owner Johnny De La Hey. ”We didn’t think the horse was ever right last season, when we tried everything. He was certainly well in here, though.”