Indomitable Twig could be handed cross-country option after pulling out all the stops for Ben Pauling on reappearance

Twig, who was last seen finishing tenth in the Grand National at Aintree, returned in fine style when coming out top in a thrilling finish to the 3m veterans’ handicap chase for trainer Ben Pauling.

The ten-year-old jumped the last three fences alongside Courtland and battled gamely all the way to the line under Beau Morgan, winning by a neck. 

Pauling said: "He's class; all last season was about trying to get him in the National, we got him in and he never really got into the race but finished beautifully to be tenth. We were delighted with him there and it's great to see him back.

"It was quite a hilarious race to watch; it changed complexion at least five times, but it's great. Hopefully, we can pop about in some of those sorts of races, maybe try him at the cross-country as well."

Le Roi in command

Le Roi Remi looked a smart prospect for the Tom Ellis team when bolting up in the bumper. The 12-1 shot showed a smart turn of foot at the three-furlong pole to win by 16 lengths under Jack Andrews.

"We've always loved him but he's still a shell so it'll be one or two more runs and put him away," said Ellis. "When he physically forms he's going to be a fair horse."

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