Express surprises in the Imperial

Grand National-winning trainer Dr Richard Newland landed the William Hill Imperial Cup as outsider Ebony Express saw off long-time leader Rayvin Black at Sandown.

In a race where not much got involved from behind, the Will Kennedy-ridden 33-1 chance hit the front two flights from home but to Rayvin Black's credit he came back for more.

Last year's runner-up Gassin Golf also began to stay on and looked a threat with, top weight Camping Ground, Thistlecrack and Some Buckle also on the premises. Ebony Express toughed it out, though, and won by three-quarters of a length with another neck back to Gassin Golf.

Another major race was tarnished at the start, as after the first attempt proved fruitless a standing start was required and the likes of Wicklow Brave and Arzal were done no favours.

Kennedy said: "I'm absolutely delighted. I've had really good people supporting me this season, and today is a great day. It's my first Graded winner and it means a lot.

"I'm surprised he was overlooked after Newbury (Betfair Hurdle), where I think I would have been fourth if he hadn't been brought down.

"A few people missed that, but I was really looking forward to him today.

"He's not very big, but he's really tough."

Newland said: "It's a great thrill, one of my daughters is 21 today and we have a big crowd with us. I think they had a bit on!

"The Pipes are the only ones who have won the bonus (for winning this race and a race at Cheltenham) and I'd love to have least have a go (in County Hurdle).

"When he won his first two races he as very impressive, then it went wrong at Catterick as I rushed to get a third run in. He was coughing a bit and I was a bit stupid to run him there.

"At Newbury he was running well when he was brought down and since then he has been very good and working ever so well.

"He had a little leg infection in the week, but the vet did a great job in getting that sorted.

"On his best form he had a good chance of winning today and it was just a question of whether he brought his 'A' game."

He added: "I thought Will gave him a super ride, he judged it right and was strong in the finish. This is a new relationship, Will is working so hard to move his career forward and is one of the most underrated riders out there."