It was a case of "normal service resumed" as Cheltenham launched its new season with Martin Pipe and his trainer son David back in the winner's enclosure with 20-1 surprise Mutual Friend.

Notre Pere has been declared for Monday’s Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National, despite Jim Dreaper admitting to concerns about the ground being faster than ideal.

BOOKMAKERS believe John Smith’s Grand National success for ante-post favourite My Will could cost the industry up to £100m at Aintree on Saturday.

FRESH from riding his first ever winner at the Cheltenham Festival, jockey Wayne Hutchinson partnered Long Hop to victory at Taunton in the same colours.

Tony McCoy was seen at his very best as he dragged Wichita Lineman home in the William Hill Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival.

Sue Smith’s veteran Mister McGoldrick heads a maximum field of 20 for the first major handicap of Britain's National Hunt season, the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

DAVID Pipe has warned bookmakers they should be worried about Piraya in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Monet’s Garden has been handed top weight of 11st 12lb for the £150,000 (€186,308) Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday week.

Silverburn has been installed as the 7-2 favourite by the sponsors for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on November 15 after 56 entries were received.

Last year’s Grand National fourth, Philson Run, is once again on target to tackle Aintree’s big fences.

Kate Walton is hoping the handicapper’s verdict on Nevertika is accurate as the seven-year-old goes for glory in the Connaught Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Newbury on Saturday.

Nick Williams set his sights on the Connaught Gold Cup Handicap Chase some time ago for Maljimar and his plan can come to fruition at Newbury tomorrow.

Maljimar will head to Newbury on Saturday as trainer Nick Williams targets the £65,000 Connaught Gold Cup with his progressive chaser.

Owner JP McManus now has market leaders for both the Triumph Hurdle and the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle as Franchoek and Aigle D’Or respectively completed their Cheltenham warm-ups in fine style.

Knowhere could return to Cheltenham next month for the Paddy Power Gold Cup after grabbing a narrow victory in the feature event on yesterday’s card at Prestbury Park.

Master Eddy (10-1) made Jason Maguire work desperately hard but he still came up trumps in the opener at Newbury to provide a big stage winner for second-season trainer Shaun Lycett.