Ludlow Races

Midfield - headway from 5th - went third before 3 out - mistake 2 out - lost third but kept on run-in(Mkt1: op 40/1; Mkt2 op 40/1)

Held up in rear - steady headway from 3 out - stayed on run-in(Mkt1: op 150/1 tchd 125/1; Mkt2 op 150/1)

Took keen hold - prominent - kept on from 2 out(Mkt1: op 66/1)

Midfield - hit 4th - kept on from 2 out(Mkt1: op 66/1 tchd 80/1; Mkt2 op 66/1)

Took keen hold - held up in rear - steady headway from 5th - disputing third but not fluent last - soon weakened

Held up in rear - some headway from 2 out - never dangerous (enq held into the running and riding of the gelding - which raced towards the rear throughout before staying on steadily under a hands and heels ride in the home straight to finish ninth of fifteen runners - beaten by 21 1/4l. The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; the Veterinary Officer examined the gelding on two occasions post-race and reported no abnormalities. The gelding was also selected for routine testing. Jockey stated that his instructions were to drop in and settle the gelding as he was inclined to be keen at home - get him jumping in a rhythm and to ride his mount to obtain the best possible placing. Jockey explained that the gelding had settled and jumped well throughout the race off a modest pace and - having asked him to close up leaving the back straight and rounding the final bend - he felt that even though he had been pushed wide - he was in a good position to make progress up the home straight if the gelding was good enough. He reaffirmed that the gelding continued to jump well but was inconvenienced and slightly taken off his line when a rival veered right-handed in front of him approaching the penultimate flight and thereafter the gelding stayed on at the one pace - passing only weakening horses. Jockey continued by saying that the gelding gave him the impression that a step up in distance may suit. The trainer confirmed the instructions and expressed his satisfaction with both the ride and the way in which the gelding had finished his race off on this occasion - given his two disappointing runs to date. He also agreed that the gelding could get further in time if he continues to relax in his races - but the prospect of running over 2m again was still an option. Their explanations were noted)(Mkt1: op 125/1 tchd 100/1; Mkt2 op 100/1)

Midfield - weakened gradually after 3 out(Mkt1: op 80/1; Mkt2 op 80/1)

Always behind(Mkt1: op 200/1 tchd 250/1; Mkt2 op 150/1)

Midfield - weakened before 2 out(Mkt1: op 125/1)

Took keen hold - jumped right on occasions - in touch with leaders - prominent 6th - weakened after 3 out - jumped badly right 2 out(Mkt1: op 200/1; Mkt2 op 300/1 tchd 200/1)

Midfield - dropped to rear 5th - weakened home turn (jockey said gelding ran green)(Mkt1: op 13/2 tchd 5/1; Mkt2 tchd 9/2)

In touch with leaders - mistake and stumbled badly 5th - weakened home turn(Mkt1: op 200/1 tchd 250/1; Mkt2 op 300/1)