14:35 Ludlow

prominent, went second 4th, hung right 3 out, ridden 2 out, wandered on approach last where not fluent, edged left run-in, led final 110yds

held up in midfield, headway when jumped right and nudged along 3 out, went fourth 2 out, jumped right and 5 lengths down last, ridden and ran on well run-in, went third final strides (enq held into the running and riding of the gelding, which raced just worse than mid-division throughout until being asked for a hands and heels effort in the home straight, until jumping the last hurdle from which point the gelding finished nicely to finish third of twelve runners, beaten by 2 1/4l. Rider explained that as stable jockey, he was given no specific instructions but as the gelding was very keen and did not finish his race off on hurdles debut, he planned to switch the gelding off by getting cover in the early stages and ride him to hopefully finish the race off better. Jockey added that the gelding settled better on this occasion thanks largely to a strong gallop, although he still raced keenly in the early stages, a fact he reported at scales. Jockey said he felt the gelding's jumping improved once he found a rhythm and eventually settled after some untidy early jumps, before going on to say that down the side of the course approaching the home turn, he had been unable to improve his position due to finding himself behind rivals, all of which were not taking him forward into the race and thus prevented him from keeping in touch with the leaders. This resulted in him being further back than ideal when looking to mount his challenge off the home bend, however once clear in the home straight the gelding was slightly wayward and inclined to race greenly, but still finished pleasingly and responded to his use of the whip after jumping the last hurdle, which is still approx 1 1/2f out)

took keen hold, led, not fluent 1st, clear 2nd, reduced lead 4th, mistake 2 out, headed and weakened final 110yds

midfield, headway but mistake 5th, in touch with leaders 3 out, weakened gradually from 2 out

held up in rear, not fluent 4 out, soon headway and midfield, no impression from 3 out

prominent, weakened just before 3 out

midfield, weakened from 3 out

in rear, headway into midfield after 4 out, weakened before 3 out

always behind

in rear, weakened before 3 out

midfield, lost position 4 out, soon weakened, mistake 2 out, tailed off when pulled up last