Strath Royal seized the 18th victory of his career when ploughing through the mud to collect the £20,000-added Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby yesterday. He produced a bold display of jumping to put better-fancied rivals in their place in the three miles one furlong test.

Ridden by Martin Brennan, Strath Royal stretched clear in great style in the straight to defeat Major Bell by 13 lengths. Sparky Gayle was a distance away in third while the favourite Colonel in Chief was pulled up early in the straight.

Strath Royal, trained by Brennan's father Owen, was equalling the feat of Skegby, who also won 18 races for Brennan.

Brennan junior's success was tarnished by the stewards' decision to ban him for two days (January 4th & 5th) for misuse of the whip. They ruled that Brennan did not give the horse time to respond between hits.

Fortunately, Brennan will be eligible to ride for the next race on Strath Royal's agenda, the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster on January 31st.

It's back to the drawing board for connections of Sparky Gayle, who had been rated a Gold Cup prospect at the start of the season, "the ground wouldn't have helped," said owner Ray Green.

Colonel in Chief folded tamely after making the running until five out. It was further disappointment for his trainer Gordon Richards after the eclipse of One Man in the King George VI Chase.

Colonel In Chief's jockey Paul Carberry had been involved in a dash to Wetherby after his flight from Ireland was delayed. Carberry did not make it to the course until 1.40 and missed rides in the first and third races.

Course specialist Cumbrian Challenge completed a four-timer when defeating Brambleberry by five lengths in the Supermaster Handicap Chase. He has now won eight times at the course, only one less than Supermaster himself.