Birch lands Welsh National gamble - now for Aintree

SILVER BIRCH jumped his way to Grand National favouritism after landing a massive gamble in the Coral-sponsored Welsh version at Chepstow yesterday.

He is now a top-priced 16-1 for the John Smith’s-sponsored Aintree showpiece after completing rider, Ruby Walsh’s full set of Nationals on a memorable day for the jockey and trainer Paul Nicholls.

The seven-year-old followed up a success over the daunting Liverpool fences in the Becher Chase with a two-length triumph from the front-running Strong Resolve, with a further one and three-quarter lengths back to third home Chives.