Nicky Henderson pointed to the effects of a lengthy season taking its toll on Long Run as the former Cheltenham Gold Cup hero was well beaten in the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris at Auteuil yesterday.

After his best ever National Hunt season, Donald McCain turned his attentions to the Flat and saddled the first two home in the StanJames.com Chester Cup through Ile De Re and Overturn.

GOLD Cup-winning rider Sam Waley-Cohen left Taunton yesterday in frustration after picking up his third suspension in less than a month.