A Champion Hurdle Trial in name only, because this Grade 2 race had little bearing on the big one in March, run on desperate ground and at little more than a canter before the pace increased appreciably swinging for home. Not surprisingly, the time was more than four seconds slower than the opening novice event.

AL EILE, making his first appearance for seven months, won despite being more at home on a sounder surface. He fought his way into contention between the last two flights, and although slightly awkward at the last, responded well to pressure, despite going to his left. He will now go for the Totesport Gold Trophy and, because he's top-weight already, will not pick up a penalty. The Champion Hurdle will then be on his agenda.

Mister McGoldrick went down fighting. Runner-up to Inglis Drever in this race 12 months ago, he looked likely to go one better when stealing a march on his rivals early in the straight, but he slighly fluffed the final flight as the winner was looming. With Al Eile challenging wide of him, he was headed halfway up the run-in but, typically, he battled back close home. An admirable horse over any type of obstacle.

Royal Shakespeare ran his usual sound race in defeat and was unsuited by the ground and the slowgallop.

Arcalis, who travelled strongly under restraint, clouted the third-last flight, and, although still to be asked anything like a question, was then pulled up. His jockey later reported that he had lost his action (T.O'R)

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