Risky Reef takes Aintree opener

Ruby Walsh started Grand National day in the best possible fashion when he gave Risky Reef (20-1) a lovely ride to take the opening Cordon Bleu Handicap Hurdle at Aintree.

The Andrew Lee-trained Irish raider was produced to perfection at the second-last flight by Walsh and the pair jumped the last in front before holding Altay (7-1) on the run-in.

Brooklyn's Gold (16-1) took third with Edmo Heights (40-1) in fourth.