Racing: Midland Flame gives Knight a bright start

Henrietta Knight will have three runners in tomorrow's Grand National and she was off to a flying start on the first day of the meeting yesterday, taking the Martell Novices' Handicap Chase with Midland Flame, who carried the colours of Trevor Hemmings.

Jim Culloty, who rides Maximize tomorrow, made all on the eight-year-old, who had only a loose horse for company from two out before finishing two-and- a-half lengths clear of the field.

Miss Knight said: "He's a wonderful jumper, but I was a bit worried about the loose horse as he's a bit of a quirky fellow and I thought he might follow him out. It's nice for Mr Hemmings – it's wonderful for him as he deserves a winner here."

Michael Meagher, Hemmings's racing manager, added: "I think the change in tactics helped. He liked the ground, he's a much better horse on good ground. This was the plan for the moment, but he could possibly go to Ayr. With jumping like that, experienced handicap company would not be a worry next season."