Tidal Bay confirmed he will be a major contender for top honours this season with a virtually faultless performance in the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase at Carlisle today.

Golden Bay landed the feature Yorkshire Bank Mares’ Only Handicap Hurdle race at Cheltenham to give trainer Suzy Smith her first taste of success at Prestbury Park.

Halcon Genelardis continued his climb up the novice chasing ranks with a resounding victory at Wetherby which provided trainer Alan King with his 300th career success.

Aidan O’Brien has had his hands on the Racing Post Trophy four times in the last eight years and must fancy putting the prize back on the mantelpiece again tomorrow with Septimus.