rest of card

THE Grade 3 Randox Health Topham Chase is always an eventful affair and connections of Imjoeking will always wonder what might have happened had the horse not knuckled over on landing when nicely clear at the fence after the Canal Turn.

That left O O Seven to make for home but he was soon pressed on all sides as As De Mee made his effort and last year’s winner Eastlake came with a promising run. Nothing was moving as easily as Ultragold and young Harry Cobden, who swept through to take it up.

From then on the bookmakers were always going to enjoy the experience because Colin Tizzard’s 50/1 shot was followed home by Joseph O’Brien’s Katnap at 22/1 and Portrait King at 66s. With Henderson in such good form, O O Seven (12/1) saved the each-way money in fourth.

Ultragold had shown little in his last four outings but came right back to his best off a fair mark.

Cobden said: “It’s my first time over the fences and I’d like to do it again. Actually I quite fancied him. Going down to the ditches he was really bouncing. He’s very clever and a lovely horse to ride.’’

RATHER BE

Between them, Tizzard and Henderson saddled five of the seven winners on day two because the embryo champion also won the opening Grade 3 Alder Hey Children’s Charity Handicap Hurdle with 10/1 chance Rather Be, who proved just too good for the McManus-owned pair Dream Berry and Geordie Des Champs. Just for good measure, Henderson was also responsible for the fourth, Thomas Campbell. There is no stopping the man!

Lalor with Richard Johnson on board took the bumper, the Weatherbys Private Bank Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race for trainer Richard Woollacott keeping on well from Enniscoffey Oscar and Western Ryder.

Injuries

AFTER their falls in the Topham, both Liam Treadwell and Daryl Jacob will have to pass the doctor this morning before taking part in the Grand National.