Nicholls hoping for good Montifault run

Paul Nicholls is hoping the Martell Cognac Grand National has not left its mark on Montifault as he prepares for a tilt at the final big race of the jumps season.

The eight-year-old is set to tackle the attheraces Gold Cup on Saturday but the Ditcheat trainer admits his charge had a hard race when finishing a fine fifth to Monty’s Pass in the Aintree showpiece earlier this month.