Gerri Colombe strikes at Down Royal as Grand National hero Nick Rockett finishes third

Gordon Elliott's winner was sent off the 8/13 favourite and was always in control of the 3m2f race, though runner-up Roi Mage kept him honest until the winner pulled clear by five lengths in the closing stages.

Willie Mullins' Nick Rockett looked rusty after 11 months off the track in the hands of Patrick Mullins, but he did run on to be a never-nearer six-and-three-quarter length third and he is now qualified for a repeat bid at Aintree.

Paddy Power clipped Gerri Colombe into 25/1 from 33s for the National, while Nick Rockett was left unchanged at 20/1.

More from Sporting Life

• Free bets
• Racecards
• Fast results
• Full results and free video replays
• Horse racing news
• Horse racing tips
• Horse racing features
• Download our free iOS and Android app
• Football and other sports tips
• Podcasts and video content

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.