DESSIE HUGHES’ Timbera, backed down to clear favouritism with a number of firms — as low as 8-1 — will miss Saturday’s Martell Cognac Grand National at Aintree.

Paul Nicholls is hoping the Martell Cognac Grand National has not left its mark on Montifault as he prepares for a tilt at the final big race of the jumps season.

Gingembre is firmly on course for the Martell Cognac Grand National after pleasing his trainer Lavinia Taylor in a gallop.