Garden back in bloom

Monet’s Garden added his name to a star-studded roll of honour which includes the likes of Moscow Flyer, Viking Flagship and Direct Route when landing the John Smith’s Melling Chase at Aintree.

Trainer Nicky Richards wore a wide smile when welcoming the grey back to the winner’s enclosure and described the 4-1 shot’s three-and-a-half-length victory as a “big moment” in his training career.