Full of hope Ballyhill can rise to unique challenge of National course in Topham

It’s always a thrill to ride over the famous Grand National fences, and I will get my first taste of them this week on Ballyhill in the Grade 3 Randox Health Topham Handicap Chase (4.05).

Ballyhill won over Aintree’s Mildmay course in December off a mark of 134. We really fancied him that day – I remember putting him up as my Twiston Shout in this column – and he had matters firmly in control over the last two fences to beat Caltex by three and a quarter lengths.

The handicapper put him up 10lb for that success – which seemed a bit harsh – and Ballyhill has been unable to win again since.