COLIN Tizzard’s Ultragold, 50/1 winner of the Topham last year, repeated the dose at 14/1 this time, becoming only the third horse ever to complete the double.

There were the usual accidents over the National fences but Ultragold was always well the fore with Greybougg keeping him company. He kicked on hard again after the Canal Turn, with Sam Waley-Cohen on Theatre Territory looking the main danger. However, Harry Cobden drove out firmly for the line and it was Ultragold’s stable-companion Shanahan’s Turn who chased him home for a Tizzard one-two.

“We didn’t think he could do it again but he has!” Cobden exclaimed. “You couldn’t have a better partner than this little fellow. Actually I didn’t think the ground was too bad - just soft with no heavy patches.”

It rained steadily for four hours early on Friday morning and the going became soft, heavy in places for the second day of the Grand National festival.

The first race, the Alder Hey Handicap Hurdle over two and half miles, ended in a virtual clean sweep for bookmakers as Tom Lacey’s Jester Jet and Robbie Dunne led home another 20’1 chance, Eaton Hill, with 13/2 favourite Who Dares Wins and Wilde Blue Yonder filling the places.

The final bumper provided another win for the McNeill family with Portrush Bill (25/1) for Warren Greatrex and Gavin Sheehan, in a finish of outsiders.