Great to see Hereford back

Having closed for the best part of four years, it was great to see National Hunt racing return at Hereford. The star of the show was the Harry Whittington trained Emerging Force, who made a successful start to his chasing career. Rated 146 over hurdles, the former Irish pointer made all under Gavin Sheehan to win by fourteen lengths. Having been brieftly challenged by Rainy City, he readily pulled clear after the second last. Two miles five on such a sharp track would have been bare minimum for the Milan gelding. His trainer mentioned the four mile National Hunt Chase as a possible long-term target when we spoke during the summer.

The same trainer sent out new recruit Octagon to finish second in the two mile handicap hurdle thirty five minutes later. Bought cheaply out of Dianne Sayer's yard last spring, he was dropping back in trip and attempted to make all. While having no answer to the winner Furiously Fast after the last, he was nicely clear of the third and it shouldn't be long before he goes one better. It is hoped he is sent chasing sooner rather than later. The winner is trained by Dai Burchell and was strongly fancied - the subject of strong support overnight, he was making his handicap debut and was clearly fairly treated.

I am fully aware that I have yet to send out a selection for the Email Service this month. Similar to last year, I am trying to be selective and won't send out a selection for the sake of it. However, I am hoping to find something for the weekend. The prevailing dry spell isn't aiding the jumpers at present - we badly need some rain.