Le Beau Bai may try to improve on his third place in the big three-and-a-half-mile handicap chase at Haydock on February 19.

Alan King completed a first-and-last-race double for the second year running at Warwick with jumping debutant Trenchant and smart bumper performer Double Pride.

Denman is even-money favourite with sponsors totesport to land the Cheltenham Gold Cup again next March after ripping the crown from his stablemate Kauto Star.

Julian Thick has been appointed Charles Barnett’s successor as managing director at Aintree.

Aintree's executive defended the decision to allow the Martell Grand National, won by Red Marauder, to take place.