BITOFAPUZZLE is set for a swift return to action at either Ludlow on Thursday or Haydock on Saturday after a fruitless trip to Ireland last week.

The Grade One-winning hurdler made a fine start to her career over fences at Exeter in mid-December and was long odds-on to follow up in Grade Two company at Thurles.

Harry Fry’s mare looked likely to get the job done until parting company with Noel Fehily three fences from the finish.

Her trainer is keen to give her the chance to bounce back this week.

Fry said: "She came back from Ireland and seems absolutely fine.

“It was just one of those things that happen in racing and thankfully both Noel and the mare returned none the worse.

“There’s no such thing as a certainty in racing and if you don’t jump you don’t win.

“It was disappointing as it looked an ideal opportunity, but we’ll try and get her back on track.

“The plan is to have her out sooner rather than later.

“She’s entered at Ludlow on Thursday and we’ve also given her an entry against the boys in the Grade Two at Haydock (Altcar Novices’ Chase) on Saturday.’’

The Seaborough handler is keen for his eight-year-old to earn a return trip to the Cheltenham Festival, having been beaten just a head and a neck in last season’s OLBG Mares’ Hurdle.

“We’re hoping to go to Cheltenham with her,’’ said Fry.

“She’ll have an entry in the Mares’ Hurdle, in case she comes unstuck over fences again, but we’d like to think she’s up to taking on the boys in one of the novice chases there.