In a season dominated by new champions like Katchit, Master Minded and Denman, the final major race of the National Hunt campaign went the way of an old timer.

Monkerhostin sprang a 25-1 surprise for trainer Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.

Iris De Balme is on course to bid to complete the Scottish Grand National/bet365 Gold Cup double at Sandown on Saturday.

Natagora and Infallible both did their bit to liven up the ante-post 1000 Guineas market in the week before John Dunlop’s Muthabara followed suit at Newbury on Saturday.

Sean Curran feels Iris De Balme could be a serious Grand National contender after his 66-1 success in the Coral-sponsored Scottish equivalent at Ayr.

Iris De Balme could bid for a speedy big-race double next week after his shock Coral Scottish Grand National victory.

Iris De Balme produced an extraordinary performance to land the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr.