David Pipe has reaffirmed his belief Grands Crus is a well handicapped horse ahead of his eagerly anticipated return in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

Sanctuaire showed he had become the latest member of the Paul Nicholls team to have benefited from a breathing operation when bouncing back to his best in the Isle of Skye Blended Whisky Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr today.

Malcolm Jefferson's Gilbarry made the perfect start to his career over fences with an impressive performance in the bet365.com Novices' Chase at Wetherby today.