Promising return by Truckers

Truckers Tavern made a pleasing reappearance when fourth to Hidden Bounty in the White Lodge Handicap Hurdle at Haydock Park today.

The Ferdy Murphy-trained gelding, having his first run since finishing second in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, was never far off the pace set by Water Sports.

Although he had to be given a few reminders by Davy Russell as the field bunched down the far side, Truckers Tavern stayed on well in the straight and was third over the final flight.

However, he ran out of steam, losing third place place to A Few Bob Back on the run-in while up front Hidden Bounty (7-1) got up in the last 50 yards to deny the 7-4 favourite Jazz d’Estruval by a length and a half.