Twiston-Davies bounces back from Aintree disappointment with Ballycross

Blaklion’s Grand National bid came to a premature and abrupt end when he was floored by a faller at the first fence, but Sam Twiston-Davies bounced back here when taking the feature 3m handicap chase aboard Ballycross.

Punters who took advantage of the 15-2 available in the morning about the seven-year-old, trainer by the rider’s father Nigel, were on good terms with themselves after he found what was required under a drive to better Alfie Spinner by a couple of lengths at 9-2.

As Ballycross’s only previous victory had come on heavy ground at Sandown more than two years ago. He was well suited by the very testing underfoot conditions he faced here as he managed to reverse form with the runner-up, who had beaten him at Chepstow in December.