Be My Royal reigns at Newbury

Harbour Pilot clears the fence ahead of Be My Royal

Be My Royal and David Casey upset the odds to emerge victorious in a thrilling finish and take the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

The 33-1 shot trained by Willie Mullins and wearing the red and white colours of Florida Pearl kept going to the line, seeing off the challenge of Gingembre by half a length.

Coming to the last, the Irish horse was one of seven in with a chance of victory.

Harbour Pilot, ridden by Paul Carberry jumped the last in front but made an error which knocked him out of contention.

We let him do his own thing and he has gradually learnt what to do

Trainer Willie Mullins

Be My Royal took the last superbly and showed his strength on the run-in to finish clear of Gingembre, who was second for the second time in this race.

Harbour Pilot recovered for third place with Whitenzo, who almost unseated rider Ruby Walsh four from home, in fourth.

"This is a good handicapper with a good pedigree but I don't think he is another Florida Pearl," said trainer Willie Mullins.

"Hopefully he might win an Irish National or even the Aintree National - we'll give him an entry.

"We didn't make any special schooling arrangements for him. We let him do his own thing and he has gradually learnt what to do."

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The pre-race favourite Bounce Back, one of four runners from the stable of champion trainer Martin Pipe and ridden, made a bad error at the third-last fence which ended his chances.

"We weren't at the races," Pipe said. "But at least it was a great race and it was a pleasure to be here and watch it."

Fitzgerald and Bacchanal enjoyed success at Newbury

Meanwhile, Bacchanal's preparations for the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day are well on course after a comfortable victory in the Cantor Sport Long Distance Hurdle.

Lady Lloyd Webber celebrated her 40th birthday in style as her horse, ridden by Mick Fitzgerald, romped to a five length success.

The 7-2 shot, in his first race of the season, challenged throughout the race and pulled clear with Deano's Beeno, ridden by Tony McCoy.

But the Nicky Henderson trained horse showed his strength as McCoy's mount faded in the home straight.

Native Emperor (9-2), ridden by Tony Dobbin, finished second with Deano's Beeno eventually crossing the line in third.