WHAT many believe is a two-tier National Hunt scene where the big get bigger and the smaller get squeezed out, is sure to remain for another season or two, despite some positive results.

Can you still find a good horse for small money, or are the best horses going to end up with those with big budgets?

With point-to-pointers still regularly making sums up to €200,000, a well-regarded horse is still only within the reach of a few big players.

The bloodstock sector continues to produce record returns and many are making a swift profit from winning a point-to-point. Of course, we know the price paid is often no guarantee of success.

We had a look at a few of the big-priced horses to go through the ring from the summer of 2015 onwards and who saw action up to the end of the 2017 season. They should have taken the next step forward on the track but in many cases, they have been disappointing.

SALES TOP LOTS

Brightwells Cheltenham Premier NH Sale May 2015

Theatre Territory, £200,000 Highflyer Bloodstock

One third place in last five runs for Nicky Henderson

Tattersalls Cheltenham January Sale 2016

Cesar Collonges, £200,000 Evan Williams

One unplaced run

Tattersalls Cheltenham Festival Sale 2016

Timewaitsfornoone, £225,000 G H Bloodstock

Yet to run for Alan Fleming

Goffs Aintree Sale 2016

Samcro, £335,000 Gordon Elliott

Two wins - still looks a proper prospect

Give Me A Copper, £270,000 Tom Malone

Two wins for Paul Nicholls - promising

Goffs Punchestown Festival Sale

Getabird, €200,000 H Kirk/W Mullins

Two wins - Still promising

Tattersalls Ire Cheltenham Premier NH Sale May 2016

Redhotfillypeppers, £200,000 Harold Kirk/WP Mullins

One win - a bit disappointing

Lough Derg Spirit, £190,000 Highflyer Bloodstock

Two wins for Nicky Henderson

Goffs UK Spring HIT Sale 2016

Espoir De Teillee £220,000 Roger Brookhouse

One win for Neil Mulholland

Tattersalls Ireland Cheltenham November Sale 2016

Poli Roi €300,000 Gordon Elliott Racing

One win - still promising

Finian’s Oscar €250,000 Tom Malone/Colin Tizzard

Dual Grade 1 winner - looks to have a huge future