Swan happy with Serious

Racing: Charlie Swan reported This Is Serious to be in fine shape yesterday following his victory in the Tote Eider National at Newcastle on Saturday.

"He arrived back home at 9.30 this morning and there's not a bother on him," said the Tipperary trainer.

"He's a possible for the Midlands National at Uttoxeter, but he has several options and a lot depends on the ground. We'll give him a week and then decide on plans." This Is Serious justified favouritism with a memorable last-gasp success under Tony Dobbin in a thrilling finish.

Scotton Green, winner of the race in 2000 and runner-up last year, parted company with Russ Garritty at the 15th, Narrow Water, last year's hero, fell three fences later while Sad Mad Bad was travelling sweetly when he came to grief at the fourth last.

And with Hugo De Grez pulled up after "gurgling", Radiation led the charge to the final fence where conditional rider Ben Hitchcott conjured a great leap out of him, but gamely though he ran to the line, he could not quite hold the strong challenge from This Is Serious, who got up in the last strides to win by a length.

There are six shares in the This Is Serious syndicate, spread among 12 Wicklow enthusiasts, who include his breeder Marie Byrne and her husband Fergus.

Mrs Byrne said: "It is absolutely wonderful, the horse has done us so many favours this season.

"He won the Cork Grand National and the Thyestes Chase and it is very difficult to believe he could come and win for us again."

Tiutchev, who missed his engagement at Ascot on Saturday, has improved after a bout of colic according to Nicky Henderson.

The trainer reported yesterday that the nine-year-old's condition has stabilised and prospects for the horse are looking much brighter.

Tiutchev is currently under observation at the Royal Veterinary College, and Henderson said: "He's had no surgery yet and hopefully he won't have to have any now."

Kieren Fallon, whose one-month Macau stint began on Saturday, suffered an injury after finishing fifth on his first ride at Taipa.

It was later discovered that he had pulled a muscle in his shoulder during the race. He was later stood down by the doctor.