Is the North rising? Donald McCain and Brian Hughes join our expert panel

Are you more or less optimistic about the scene in the north than you were three or four years ago?

Brian Hughes, runner-up to Richard Johnson in the 2016-17 jump jockeys' championship
I don’t think negativity in racing is good and you have to be positive. But I do feel that sometimes the handicapper overrates the performances of northern horses in novice hurdles or novice chases. They can struggle off the mark they’re given when they take on horses from the south. But there are some nice horses as well as good trainers and owners in the north and you have to have a go.

Derek Fox, Grand National-winning jockey
You would have to be optimistic about racing in the north with One For Arthur winning the National and Simply Ned landing a Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Donald McCain, Cheltenham Festival and Grand National-winning trainer
Regarding the ability of some of the trainers in the north I'm much more optimistic. Unfortunately that's not borne out by the lack of ambition of some of the so-called biggest northern jumps tracks. In contrast, Kelso is a shining light as to what can be achieved.