Tidal Bay faces seven rivals on his return to action in the totetentofollow Old Roan Chase at Aintree tomorrow.

OKAY, the dust has settled and all the Christmas racing and early New Year stuff is now firmly behind us - so what have we learned?

Denis O’Regan is hopeful Tidal Bay can return to winning ways wherever he turns up next following his defeat in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown last weekend.

TIDAL BAY could prove to be the one that got away for Paul Nicholls, but the British champion trainer reckons the rising star will have to make a significant jump up the ladder if he is to trouble Master Minded or Kauto Star in the near future.

Tidal Bay confirmed he will be a major contender for top honours this season with a virtually faultless performance in the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase at Carlisle today.

Tidal Fury bids to book his place in the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham with a big run at Southwell on Saturday.

Tidal Wave, who was voted last season's Jumper Of the Year in France after winning three times over hurdles, gained his first success in Britain when running out an impressive winner at Carlisle.