It's not quite as stark as Cheltenham but the Irish are riding high at Aintree

There was a British victory in an Aintree race that contained only British horses but even that seemed like a struggle for the home team.

Seven horses started out in the Betway Mildmay Novices' Chase but only three finished. Three other horses, including The Big Breakaway and Sporting John, were pulled up, while Espoir De Romay was still in contention when falling at the penultimate fence. Chantry House went on to win with daylight to spare but it was hardly a reason to begin singing Land of Hope and Glory.

The good news is the home team is in front overall. Two days down, the tally is 8-6. At Cheltenham the final score was 23-5 in favour of Ireland, whose winners were cheered home from the steppings of the Dawn Run Stand. There has been nothing similar here but whereas accommodation for Irish staff was provided on site at Cheltenham, this time their temporary abode is Haydock, perhaps to make things less embarrassing for Britain.