Novice programme changes need 'more time to play out' says Ben Pauling as dry spell is blamed for spate of walkovers

Kempton joined Newbury and Sandown on Monday as the third British jumps track to host a walkover in the space of a week, with all three non-contests having originally been scheduled as either novice or beginners' chases as part of the BHA's revamped 'Chasing Excellence' programme. 

But leading trainer Ben Pauling believes it is too soon to judge any changes to the novice chase programme as the south of England continues to suffer from quicker than ideal ground conditions following a hot and dry spring and summer. 

Pauling eventually got his Grade 2-winning juvenile hurdler Mambonumberfive out for a winning start over fences in open company at Aintree on Saturday, having passed up two novice limited handicaps and a beginners' chase in the previous seven days.