Silver Birch seeking National repeat

Gordon Elliott reports Silver Birch to be “100%” and on course for the John Smith’s Grand National following a prep run over hurdles at Navan yesterday.

The 12-year-old was ninth of 10 finishers in the Slane Handicap Hurdle over two miles and seven furlongs in what was his first run under rules since he won the Aintree marathon in 2007.