WITH just one sleep until Christmas, there is festive cheer all around, but we spotted one yard that probably left the races last Saturday feeling a little blue in defeat, writes Page Fuller.

Park Princess held some creditable bumper form as a juvenile, and returned from a 574-day absence with an authoritative win on her hurdles debut last month.

Despite all of that, the market was still unsure about her chances, and she was sent off an unfancied 18/1 for the Listed Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock.

Turning into the home straight, she soon looked widely overpriced.

Ben Godfrey had her well placed, and gave her the textbook ride, taking over from the long time leader between the last two hurdles.

She had proved very straightforward to that point, so there is no way he could have anticipated the greenness she was about to show once she hit the front.

Placed right down the inside rail, she for some reason decided last minute to try and run out between the wings of the last.

Ben’s quick reaction caught her in time to steer her back onto a true course, but the damage was already done.

The winner, Supreme Malinas, was right on her tail, and the mistake from Park Princess forfeited more than two lengths to her. Park Princess lost -5.55 mph over the obstacle, and it crucially cost her momentum.

Whereas Supreme Malinas landed running with a Speed Recovery Time of 0.4 seconds, Park Princess took 1.8 seconds to get back up to speed.

The beaten distance was only a nose, so it’s safe to say the best horse was probably placed second.