Numbersixvalverde to kick-off over hurdles in National build-up

GRAND NATIONAL winner Numbersixvalverde yesterday jumped his first fence since winning the Aintree classic last April and jockey Niall 'Slippers' Madden pronounced himself delighted with the outcome.

“He's had a long rest since winning the National,” Madden reported, “but it was great to get back on board and to see him in such great fettle.

“He hasn't jumped a fence since April and this morning we gave him a quick school and he seemed to be having the time of his life,” the jockey said.