Wylie: Tidal Bay back in business

Owner Graham Wylie expects Tidal Bay to be better than ever thanks to a wind operation.

Connections took that step following veterinary advice after the eight-year-old failed last season to live up to the high promise of his Arkle Trophy triumph at the 2008 Cheltenham Festival.

The Old Roan Chase at Aintree next month is likely to be the first objective for the Howard Johnson-trained gelding.

"Tidal Bay didn't have a great season last season but his breathing has been operated on," Wylie told Racing UK.

"We always thought there was a problem last season because he wasn't the same horse that won the Arkle.

"After last season he saw the vet, who said he definitely needed a wind operation.

"He seems a lot happier horse this year.

"Aintree is the first target, the Old Roan Chase, and we'll see how he goes there.

"Fingers crossed he'll have a good season."