Garde Champetre takes today's last win

Garde Champetre took the concluding Martell Cognac Makro Mersey Novices' Hurdle for trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Ruby Walsh.

Walsh had his mount handily-placed throughout in a slowly-run race and when the pace quickened in the final half-mile, he was able to maintain his position.

Leading at the last flight, Garde Champetre (9-2) gamely held off several challengers to lift this Grade Two contest.