Banbridge takes full advantage of missing Cheltenham

Saint Roi came from further back in an attempt to launch a challenge after the final fence, but Banbridge was always doing enough in front

FLYING MACHINE: Banbridge clears the last before winning the Racehorse Lotto Manifesto Novices' Chase at Aintree on Thursday. Picture: Tim Goode/PA 

Cheltenham Festival absentee Banbridge struck Grade One gold in the Racehorse Lotto Manifesto Novices' Chase, the opening race of the Grand National meeting at Aintree.

Winner of the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Hurdle at Cheltenham last season, Joseph O'Brien's charge subsequently failed to fire on Merseyside — but it was a very different story 12 months on.