Harry Skelton adds to his tally with Ludlow double

Skelton struck in the opening race of the day when Tinnahalla proved to be a worthy favourite.

Set off at 2/11, he was pushed by Henry Daly’s horse The Wrekin, who stayed on strongly in the closing stages, but Skelton managed to get the job done on Olly Murphy’s four-year-old.

Hatcher outgunned Solar Impulse in the Watch On RacingTV Now Handicap Chase, in what turned out to be a two-runner affair to bring up a quickfire double for Skelton.

Both classy animals on their day, the race only really got juicy up the straight when the taps were turned on but it was the younger legs of Hatcher which prevailed.

The 2.10 Bet At racingtv.com Mares’ Handicap Hurdle proved to be an entertaining race as the outlook changed a few times up the straight. Long-time leader Precious Eleanor faded as Une De La Senerie kicked on. She looked to have the race in the bag until the last when Misty Bloom threw down a real challenge and just outstayed her in the final 50 yards to grab victory for jockey Ben Jones and trainer Emma Lavelle.

Another Stowaway took the feature race of the day – the Shukers Landrover Defender Handicap Chase – for Tom George as he showed real grit and tenacity to fend off his rivals.

Having made all, he was headed up the straight but rather than downing tools, he battled on and found a second wind. A bold jump at the last secured victory and a first win since 2019.

Jones secured his double in the next as Winged Isle ran out a very easy winner of the Visit racingtv.com Novices’ Handicap Hurdle. It looked a weak race on paper and Neil Mulholland’s in-form runner gobbled up his inferior rivals albeit at cramped odds.

The likeable Bletchley Castle couldn’t cure his bout of seconditis as he yet again came second at Ludlow in the Hunters Chase. That was his third second on the bounce at the course and the second time he had been beaten by Garde Ville.

The final action of the day– the Landrover Defender ‘Back A Winner’ Intermediate Open NH Flat Race – went the way of C’mon Kenny for the Ian Williams stable.He showed plenty considering this was his racecourse debut and I think the form will work out well with the huge Our Jester looking a useful prospect in second. Racing returns to Ludlow on Sunday, May 9.