THERE was disappointment for Tess Champion whose charge, Monbeg Dude, finished seventh in the Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree.

Tess, a keen amateur jockey from Rochford, is the girlfriend of Michael Scudamore who trains the horse at his stables near Ross-on-Wye.

Tess, a former Lindridge Primary School pupil, rubbed shoulders with the Queen’s granddaughter Zara Phillips, whose husband Mike Tindall co-owns the Dude with James Simpson-Daniel and Nicky Robinson.

Meanwhile, point to point action continues this Saturday at Bitterley, near Ludlow, and organisers are expecting a busy afternoon.

A minimum of seven races will on the card, including qualifiers for the AGA Ladies Open Final at Stratford on May 30 and the Bonhams Mens Open Final at Cheltenham on April 30.

National hunt trainer Henry Daly is clerk of the course at the Shropshire venue, and early reports of the going are ‘Soft, good to soft in places’.

With excellent natural viewing, the meeting is always very popular with spectators and the first race is scheduled for 1.30pm.

Organisers recommend spectators arrive early because there are always a host of trade stands and entertainment for children.