Williamson records Ludlow treble

Norman Williamson was the jockey to follow at Ludlow today as he racked up a 196-1 treble, courtesy of victories by Sir Walter, Tribal Dancer and Act In Time.

But just as it looked he might make it a four-timer, Williamson came crashing down to earth at the final fence in the novice chase.

The Tom George-trained Act In Time earned a possible tilt at the Tote Northern National at Newcastle in February after digging deep to better Judaic Ways in the Viscount Boyne Memorial Challenge Trophy.

George said: 'I cannot understand why he ran poorly at Huntingdon last time but he did it well enough today.

'Norman thinks he should have no problem getting four miles so something like the Newcastle race could be all right as long as the ground is good.'

Williamson had to be at his strongest aboard Tribal Dancer as the pair locked horns with Shelayly and Carl Llewellyn from the final flight of the Levy Board Novices` Handicap Hurdle, and there was only a short-head between them at the line.

Winning trainer Venetia Williams had news of Rehearsal Chase hero Arctic Camper who is now prominent in the ante-post betting for the Coral Eurobet Welsh National at Chepstow later this month.

She said: 'Arctic Camper will be entered for the Tote Silver Cup Chase at Ascot a week on Saturday.

Sir Walter gave Worcester trainer Andy Hobbs his first success for almost two months when landing the Corve Novices` Claiming Hurdle by three lengths from Arribilo.

However Williamson came down to earth with a bump in the Downton Novices` Handicap Chase when his mount Finbar`s Revenge, who was going well upsides eventual winner Optimistic Chris at the time, came down at the final fence. The jockey was bruised and gave up his ride in the final event.

Not so lucky was jockey Mark Bradburne who was taken to Hereford General Hospital for precautionary X-rays on his hip after Langton Green attempted to refuse at the final fence and threw the rider onto the guard rail.

Former classy hurdler Reiziger opened his account over fences in the Party Season Novices` Chase under Robert Widger but not in the style that the odds-on favourite`s supporters expected.

Sent off at 4-7, Philip Hobbs` charge had fallen on his chasing bow last time but jumped well enough on this occasion as Widger elected to bide his time aboard the gelding.