Own stakes National claim

On His Own consolidated his position as favourite for the John Smiths Grand National at Aintree when proving a shock winner of the Grade 2 Ladbrokes.

Boyne Hurdle in Navan yesterday, the first leg of a treble for champion trainer Willie Mullins.

Making his seasonal debut, the eight-year-old — in the Wylie colours — outpointed Si C’Etait Vrai and Un Beau Matin in convincing fashion as his stable-companion Thousand Stars, the 1/2 favourite, trailed in a hugely disappointing last of the six runners and was subsequently reported to be “never travelling in the ground” by Ruby Walsh.