FORGERY rewarded the patience of Gerard Butler, who trains at Blewbury, near Didcot, by landing the Bloor Homes Spring Cup at Newbury on Saturday.

The four-year-old gelding had run just four times in his first two seasons due to injuries.

But Butler nursed him back to fitness and, after a pipe-opener at Wolverhampton last month, he was spot-on to claim victory in this valuable mile handicap.

Nicky Mackay's mount, a 12-1 chance, scythed through the field to snatch the spoils close home by half a length from Colisay, with Red Spell a neck back in third.

Butler said: "He got a flake in his fetlock after being injured here last year and had another injury as a two-year-old as well.

"But he has matured and strengthened up and all the aches and pains have gone.

"He has been going nicely at home and it was a good ride by Nicky. Everything has fallen into place."

The John Smith's Cup at York in July is a possible target for the winner.