'I was very lucky to sit on her' - Bannister hails Quick Wave after eventful win

Monday: Ludlow

The feature 3m1½f handicap chase began in dramatic fashion when the 2-1 favourite Demachine, who was making his first start since finishing fifth in November's Ladbrokes Trophy, unseated his rider Richard Patrick at the first fence.

The loose horse inconvenienced the six remaining rivals throughout the race by sporadically veering in front of the field approaching fences. However, Quick Wave showed no signs of rustiness after 303 days away from the track under Harry Bannister, who praised the professionalism of his mount for staying away from trouble.

Bannister, striking on just his second ride for trainer Venetia Williams, told Racing TV: "I saw the number and saw it was Demachine. It's my first time sitting on Quick Wave and I have to admit he [Demachine] didn't help us too much early on, but she's very professional.

Watch Quick Wave's 14-length win at Ludlow here

"She didn't miss a beat the whole way round. I couldn't fault her at all, so I was very lucky to sit on her."

The day was not ruined for Patrick, who teamed up with Henry Daly to guide Bridge North to a first win over hurdles in the colours of the late Trevor Hemmings.

The winning combination, who also struck with Hillcrest on New Year's Day, landed the second division of the Luke Watson Memorial 'National Hunt' Maiden Hurdle, a race named in memory of the former conditional jockey and groom.

Jet Plane (right) takes the first division of the race named in honour of Luke WatsonCredit: Edward Whitaker

The race marked the second sponsorship by the Watson family to commemorate Luke, who died aged 26 in 2018, with the first division won by the Bridget Andrews-ridden Jet Plane for Dan Skelton.

Luke's parents Nick and Nicola Watson said: "We can't ever thank the racing family enough for all they've done for us since Luke died but sponsoring the race today we hope is just one small way our family can put something back into the sport that gave Luke so much joy and happiness. Once again his favourite flat cap had an airing!"

Khan signs off in style

A nasty incident was narrowly avoided during the 3m handicap hurdle when jockeys were forced to steer past a piece of railing mistakenly left on the course approaching the home bend on the first circuit.

Luckily all eight horses were able to steer clear of the railing but Aidan Coleman and clerk of the course Simon Sherwood were interviewed by stewards after the race and a report was forwarded to the BHA head office for further consideration.

The race was won by the Milton Harris-trained Khan, whose third win of the season came just days before embarking on a career at stud, with the German Flat Group 1 winner set to travel to Pau on Wednesday.

Mullenbeg scooted clear in impressive fashion in the bumper under Mitchell Bastyan to win on her rules debut, completing a double on the day for Harris.

Results, replays and analysis

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The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday