CARLISLE 15:35

All 6 ran. Fences: 16. Race Distance Adjustment: +120 yds

Time: 6m 37.3s Closing Sectional: (3.1f): 49.3s (99.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 100.5%

The final fence in the back straight was omitted due to the state of the ground

All 6 of these veterans were in contention 4 out and the finish was every bit as close as that suggested it might be, the winner clinging on in spirited fashion.

SEEYOUATMIDNIGHT has come out of retirement retaining bags of enthusiasm, no greater proof of that than this display just a couple of weeks on from a limp return to action; led, jumped boldly and went with zest, gained some breathing space with a particularly good jump 3 out, tackled run-in, held on gamely; it remains to be seen of how much more he's capable, but this success fully justifies the decision to bring him back.

MY OLD GOLD (IRE) got back on the up, quickly putting her previous effort behind her, finding a former graded performer slightly too tough to get past; waited with, untidy eighth, mistake eleventh, progress 2 out, stayed on, just failed.

BALLY LONGFORD (IRE) returned to form after 13 weeks off, shaping quite encouragingly in the light of his stable's apparent struggles as well as a major late error; soon steadied, in touch 4 out, clouted next, stayed on again gradually.

JEPECK (IRE) winner of the Final of this series in January, secured his qualification for next year in this particular contest again having finished second to the subsequent Scottish National winner Takingrisks last year (that horse a place behind him this time); close up, effort 3 out, hung right from next, one paced.

TAKINGRISKS (IRE) who has bigger targests ahead, was easy to back after 9 weeks off and found this an inusfficient test of stamina; mid-field, not fluent first, again 4 out, outpaced from there.

LE ROCHER (FR) was strong in the betting but disappointed after 7 weeks off, something physical perhaps holding him back given the awkwardness with which he held his tail at times (lost a shoe); lost ground second, settled in rear after, hit ninth, shaken up eleventh, in contention 4 out, weakened after 2 out.