Ireland are odds-on to claim their first John Smith’s Grand National in six years following the first entry stage for the Aintree showpiece.

A record crowd of 18,208 turned up for Trials Day at Cheltenham on Saturday and were treated to a spectacular afternoon’s action, led by Sprinter Sacre in the Victor Chandler Chase.

Sprinter Sacre will have six rivals in tomorrow’s Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot, if the meeting survives a 4.30pm precautionary inspection today.

Owner Graham Wylie insists Tidal Bay will not run in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup in March if “the ground is good or faster”.