LOCHNOMORE looked a potential star when he galloped away with the Men's Open at the Ludlow Hunt point-to-point meeting at Bitterley on Sunday, writes Graham Saveker.

Partnered by Richard Burton, Lochomore was soon disputing the running with the other joint favourite, Mickthecut-away. But early on the final circuit it was clear Burton's mount had the race in safe keeping to gallop home an easy 25-length winner.

Lochnomore winner is now a possible for the final of the Land Rover final at Towcester in May and could also take in the Lady Dudley Cup en route.

Mark Rimell produced an interesting prospect in the first division of the Maiden race with the previously unraced Conquer, a five-year-old son of the sire Phardante.

The Andrew Dalton-ridden Top Toy, owned by John Hales, who had previously owned top chaser One Man, was made a warm favourite but Rimell allowed his mount to stride out on the final circuit and they were untroubled to win by 25 lengths. Rimell said: "I bought him at Doncaster in May for 5,000gns and he's ready to be sold now."

Richard Cooper took the riding honours by scoring a double on Saywhen for owner Anne Price in the second division of the Restricted Open and followed that with a win on Uncle Tom, who came late to take a division of the Maiden race.