LUDLOW 16:20

Non Runners: HYSTERY BERE (FR). Fences: 19.

Time: 6m 17s Closing Sectional: (2.2f): 35.6s (98%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 106%, Betfair SP 100.3%

A disappointing turnout numerically for a long-established race; the 3 who'd been successful since the turn of the year were put in their place by one who seemingly benefited from the fitting of headgear in a race run at a strong clip, the time much quicker than for the earlier 0-100.

MINELLA BLUEWAY (IRE) got back on the up, surpassing his hurdles form to land a race the yard often targets, seemingly benefiting plenty from first-time cheekpieces; chased leader, upsides 5 out, pressed on entering straight, drew clear and well on top even before others fell by the wayside.

POST CHAISE (IRE) back in headgear having won without last time, seemed to struggle with a rise in the weights and couldn't lay a glove on the less-exposed winner in the straight; third, mistake first, left second 3 out, one paced.

SACRE COEUR (FR) back around 3m and under a penalty, was already held when a rare jumping lapse left her conditional rider on the floor; led, took keen hold, joined 5 out, left behind by winner early in straight, still just second but fading when unseated rider 3 out.

HEARD THAT (IRE) arrived in good heart and it's probably best not to draw firm conclusions from this as to either the loss of that form or temperament, the former on account of the severity of an error and the latter due to the distractions of the loose horse; dropped out, not fluent fourth, untidy eleventh, crept closer fourteenth, clouted next, no threat after, distracted by loose horse swerving around fence 2 out.