Tidal Bay to swerve Exeter

Arkle Trophy hero Tidal Bay is unlikely to contest the William Hill Gold Cup at Exeter next month with connections preferring to start the seven-year-old’s season off at one of the northern circuits.

Howard Johnson’s charge has won five of his six outings over fences, adding to his Arkle triumph with a hugely impressive display in the Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree.