Rubaud shines in Haldon Gold Cup at Aintree

Rubaud now looks set for a step up to Grade One level

Rubaud ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies coming home to win the BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Aintree. Picture: Peter Byrne/Press Association

Paul Nicholls moved within one of Martin Pipe’s record as Rubaud produced a superb display from the front to lift the BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup at Aintree.

Although the eight-year-old has some high-class form over fences, most of his previous big-race wins have come over the smaller obstacles, including a hat-trick of victories in the race formerly known as the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton.