Apalachi in National frame

Soft-ground loving Black Apalachi earned a 33-1 quote for the John Smith’s Grand National with Ladbrokes after a superb round of jumping secured him a win over the famous fences at Aintree.

Although Dessie Hughes’ nine-year-old failed to complete in the National last April, he relished his return to the track and made virtually all in the totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase.