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.