Racing: Boxer easily outpoints rivals

UNSINKABLE BOXER smoothly accomplished his first test as a steeplechaser at Uttoxeter yesterday and only an error at the second last fence prevented the nine-year-old gaining top marks.

However, he proved little and the bookmakers remain largely unmoved. Coral and Ladbrokes leave Unsinkable Boxer's Gold Cup price unchanged at 12-1, while William Hill offer the same price after trimming him two points.

Sent off a 1-3 chance yesterday, Unsinkable Boxer was always travelling sweetly for Tony McCoy who was able to ease down on the run-in allowing Carry On Brendan to close to within a flattering six lengths.

"He couldn't have done it any better than that," McCoy said. "He's a big horse and he handled things well."

David Pipe, representing his father, the trainer Martin, said: "We'll wait for the horse to tell us whether he's up to running in the Gold Cup. I'm sure he'll be entered in it as well as in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase."