Garvivonnian handed national mission

Trainer Ned Mitchell has one eye firmly focused on the John Smith’s Grand National next April after Garvivonnian proved his mettle over the Aintree fences in the totesport Becher Chase.

The 10-year-old sprung a 33-1 shock in a race which saw the market leaders Forest Gunner, Juveigneur, Strong Resolve and Direct Access all crash out at the first three fences.