The Times - Cryptic - This puzzle, used in the Preliminary B round of the 2013 Times National Crossword Championship, was solved correctly within the time limit by 79% of the competitors. - November 20, 2013

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Clues Answers
A French hostage initially longed to be freed UNHITCHED
Animal unknown by medic — a husky, we're told DRAYHORSE
Anticipation cheers woodman mostly employed outside FORETASTE
Breed of pig a burgled equestrian hopes to get? SADDLEBACK
Check uranium in mine entrance AUDIT
City policeman supporting shelter LEEDS
Drop a heroic story SAGA
Dry out in remarkably heated setting? DEHYDRATE
Footballer (old-fashioned type) about to start again BACKTOSQUAREONE
Forge money at first — it's consumed in fling SMITHY
Hazard which restricts military bridge-builders THREAT
Icy area unusual on her plot NORTHPOLE
Learner in workplace, one dismissed from pleasant liquor shop OFFLICENCE
Meadow quiet? A dog walker may use it LEASH
Merciful knight that is taken in fast LENIENT
Clues Answers
Most of the Indians are back out in the middle HINDU
Movement of water essential to Gwynedd yachtsmen EDDY
Old woman dressing one's corn GRAIN
One removed to safety the day before receiving a sign EVACUEE
Parking in squalid surroundings in a fast car? SPEEDY
Pressing to admit son is a certain age is cheeky PERSISTENT
Reformed characters in Shires chew snipe, or other game CHINESEWHISPERS
Right to go over island where climbers may be trained TRELLIS
Sack for person dealing in LSD, say, once? CASHIER
Season fish following bloomer in film EASTERTIDE
Second husband blushing a bit SHRED
Sound of dull explosion in front of primitive shack PHUT
The writer's friend, a native of South Africa IMPALA
Unhealthy food brothers reportedly give exotic rodents CHIPMUNKS
Woman collecting round Oxford, for example SHOE