Nicholls charge lands Becher Chase

The Listed Becher Chase over 3m 2f a Aintree on Sunday was won by the Paul Nicholls-trained eight-year-old Mr Pointment (Old Vic - Bettyhill, by Ardross) ridden by Sam Thomas, putting the cap on a memorable weekend for the jockey who won the Betfair Chase on Kauto Star as part of a Haydock treble on Saturday.

Mr Pointment raced at the head of affairs throughout, taking the 21 Grand National fences in his stride in an impressive display of jumping in a race that saw only seven finishers from 19 starters.

Joint favourite Bewley's Berry was prominent throughout and challenged after the last, but Mr Pointment, who tranferred to Nicholls from Charles Egerton's yard at the end of last season, found extra and won with a length in hand.

Pak Jack was third with Le Duc, also trained by Nicholls, another three lengths back in fourth.

Nicholls said after the race: "A great weekend. I really fancied this horse. I trained him for this race since he ran at Cheltenham the other day.

"He goes left, he's game, he gallops - Grand National roll on. We'll look forward to that."

Souffleur rises to the challenge

The Peter Bowen-trained Souffleur (In The Wings - Salinova, by Linamix) couldn't have been more impressive in the 2m 4f handicap hurdle, coming from well off the pace to pass his rivals with almost contemptuous ease in the final furlong.

Bowen and jockey Paddy Merrigan had a 200-1 double as Sir Monty sprung a 66-1 surprise in the maiden hurdle.

Merrigan, who had fallen when the clear leader on Special Envoy at Haydock on Saturday, said of Souffleur: "Yesterday was the worst day of my life and today seems to be going the right way. Words can't explain it.

"He messed up going to the first, then he settled so I wasn't going to rush him. I thought he had no chance then he's proved me wrong."