David Ryan, out of luck since registering a double at Down Royal in May 2007, got back in the winner's enclosure courtesy of Yeoman ridden by his brother, Tom, in the 2009 Annual Members Handicap Hurdle. Zanwood left clear by the fall of Blackwater Pete two out, traded at 1/100 in running but he stopped to nothing on the run-in as Yeoman got on top in the closing stages.

Ryan said: "He will go for something similar, hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on him. He wants better ground."

Runner-up, Silent Rage (20s in the morning into 14/1) was one for money here as was Strongpoint (12s in the morning into 4/1 favourite). The latter could manage only fifth. (EM)