National result was a boost for the Bobbyjo and Irish Gold Cup - while a British runner could be a big improver next year

Just like last year, the winner of the Bobbyjo Chase has gone on to land the spoils in the Grand National. Nick Rockett put in a very good performance to win at Aintree, achieving a career-high Racing Post Rating of 169. In the last decade his winning figure is bettered only by Tiger Roll’s second victory in the race and I Am Maximus last year. 

In winning, the eight-year-old showed a significant level of ability and he can improve further still.

I Am Maximus ran at least as well as 12 months ago, equalling his RPR of 172, while back in third was Grangeclare West, who also achieved a career-best of 169. He likely would have gone very close but for an error at the final fence. His effort was also a further boost to the Irish Gold Cup form in which he finished second. The winner, Galopin Des Champs, went on to run well when runner-up in the Gold Cup – one place behind Leopardstown fourth Inothewayurthinkin – while third-placed Fact To File was an impressive winner of the Ryanair Chase next time.