Brilliant jumper has had Welsh National as long-term target

Since Kauto Star retired there have been a few British-trained successes in the top races, thanks to such as Coneygree and Cue Card, but in reality the Irish have dominated.

It's been great to see Annie Power, Faugheen, Douvan, Don Cossack and Vautour in their pomp but most of them represent the same stable and it's brilliant for the sport that we have a true superstar this side of the water in yesterday's King George winner Thistlecrack.

I still think he's a bit reckless with his jumping and I would want to see him around Cheltenham again before lumping on him to win a Gold Cup, but watching him around Kempton was both nerve-racking and electrifying. I can't remember the last race I watched with the same breadth of emotions.