ST LEGER: Ferryforth Fran wins fourth title for Wallis

Lakenheath handler Mark Wallis was celebrating the fourth William Hill St Leger triumph of his career thanks to Ferryforth Fran on Tuesday night.

Drawn in trap six, last year’s fifth-placed finalist was regarded to be a 20/1 outsider for glory by the bookmakers.

However, the 2013 dog defied those odds, showing a great turn of pace during the second lap of the Wimbledon track to pass and then hold off the challenge from defending champion Fizzypop Buddy.

It was a particularly poignant victory for Wallis and his team, given that it was the last time the race will be run at the venue in south-west London, which is due to close next year.

“It is awesome — words cannot describe it,” Wallis told Sky Sports during the trophy presentation.

“I keep forgetting what these great nights mean to us all. This place (Wimbledon) has done me proud over the years.

“What a dog — it’s a fairytale dog. He has improved since the final last year. Draws win races and the draw has helped him tonight.”

It capped an impressive double for Fran, who won the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic in August.

Wallis’ other two interests in the Category One race — Rubys Rascal and Billys Bullet — finished fifth and sixth respectively.