Cross revels in National service

Giles Cross may be odds-against to turn up in the Grand National itself but he left his connections thrilled after claiming a deserved big-race victory in the Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock.

Victor Dartnall’s dour stayer had to play bridesmaid in the Welsh National at Chepstow for the second successive year in December, making much of the running before being claimed late by Le Beau Bai.