Martin Brassil’s decision to swerve the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham with Nickname because of unsuitable ground paid off as the prolific eight-year-old recorded a smooth win in the Russell Restaurant An Uaimh Chase at Navan.

Leading Irish hope Point Barrow put up an eye-catching display in his prep run for the John Smith’s Grand National when third over hurdles at Navan today.

The first three home in the Wragge & Co Finesse Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last Saturday – Moneytrain, Don Fernando and Saintsaire – are among 111 entered in the JCB Triumph Hurdle on March 13.

CORK, which has a tremendous record at beating the weather, houses a fine programme this afternoon and what a shame no other meeting is scheduled for the track between now and Cheltenham.