Skelton all smiles as he seals smooth double on low turnout card

If there is one thing Dan Skelton inherited from his time with champion trainer Paul Nicholls it was the ability to identify an opening in the programme book, although Stevie Wonder may have spotted the novice hurdle was a splendid opportunity for Shantou Rock, who justified his odds of 2-9 with ease.

Ludlow's seven-race card, which offered prize-money of £72,000, attracted just 37 runners and only three of those were prepared to take on Shantou Rock, ridden by Skelton's brother Harry in the colours of Gordon Pink.

"It does surprise me," the trainer said, referring to the lack of runners. "They do well here putting on good prize-money and even though they've got a limited racing line they do rail it out the best they can.