RUBY WALSH hopes Hedgehunter can defy the weight of history by winning the John Smith’s Grand National for a second consecutive season.

D’ARGENT has been all the rage for Saturday’s Gala Casinos Daily Record Scottish Grand National and is now as low as 6-1 favourite for the Ayr showpiece.

Colonel Frank turned in a brilliant round of jumping to make every yard in the williamhill.co.uk Future Stars Chase, the highlight of a fine day’s action at Sandown Park today.

NICKY HENDERSON could run both Calling Brave and Fondmort in the Stan James King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day.

Iris’s Gift remains on course for a mouth-watering rematch with Baracouda after a promising seasonal reappearance at Haydock.

Richard Johnson took advantage of the start of Tony McCoy’s five-day suspension to cut the champion’s lead in this jump jockeys’ title race.

Trainer Philip Hobbs continued his fine form by winning with both his runners at Fontwell today.

BRENDAN POWELL has yet to make a decision on whether to appeal against the punishments imposed by the Ludlow stewards on Sunday.

Classified is third favourite for the Bonusprint Stayers’ Hurdle after coming through his Cheltenham preparations with victory at Fontwell.

Top Irish jockey Ruby Walsh has sympathised with Adrian Maguire’s plight after the jockey suffered serious neck injuries just days before the start of the Cheltenham Festival.