Horse racing: Weird Al makes sure it’s time up for Rupert

The three-mile-one-furlong event lost a little of its lustre when Hennessy winner Diamond Harry was withdrawn due to lameness, but still produced an enthralling outcome.

Time For Rupert, having his first run since the RSA Chase at Cheltenham in March, tried to make most and was still in front as the race began in earnest going to four out.

All the while Weird Al (7-1), not seen since pulling up in the Gold Cup, was travelling strongly in behind for jockey Timmy Murphy, and with Time For Rupert untidy at the second-last the writing was on the wall.

McCain’s eight-year-old had a couple of lengths in hand at the last, with a fine jump sealing the outcome as he ran out the three-and-a-half-length victor over Time For Rupert, who lost little in defeat.

Weird Al was formerly in the care of Ian Williams, and McCain said: “I’m absolutely thrilled.

“It would be wrong for me to take all the credit. He looked a million dollars when he came to me from Ian’s about six to eight weeks ago.

“The owners felt he needed a change. Good horses are good horses and Ian’s been a help. This race had been the target before he came to me. I can’t certainly take all the credit that’s for sure.”

Paying tribute to Murphy, McCain said: “On his day Timmy’s as good as anybody. We just said he’d sit fourth or fifth and let the race happen. Timmy’s given him an absolute peach and said he picked up really well and he idled in front a bit.

“We’ll get him back before we think of the next step.”