Katchit is caught out

Reigning champion hurdler Katchit was beaten on his reappearance at Kempton on Sunday when he went down to Snap Tie.

Snap Tie lowers champion's colours

Reigning champion hurdler Katchit was beaten on his reappearance at Kempton on Sunday when he went down in a driving finish to the Philip Hobbs-trained Snap Tie. Robert Thornton brought the five-year-old with a perfectly timed challenge to lead at the second last in the WBX.COM Hurdle but Snap Tie (11/4) was still travelling sweetly under Richard Johnson. The 4/5 favourite was joined going to the last and for once it was his rival who got away from the obstacle the quicker, with Snap Tie proving strongest on the short run to the line. "There was too much emphasis on speed today and it is a long old season," said Katchit's trainer Alan King. "I am disappointed (not to win) but I am satisfied with the run. He will go to Cheltenham (for the Boylesports International) now." Sarah Hobbs, wife of the winning trainer, said: "I think chasing will have to be put on hold for the moment. The main thing with him this season is he is far more relaxed. He was just too buzzy last year."