As expected Harchibald was found wanting in the rain-softened ground and eventually weakened into a fifth place finish. His trainer Noel Meade said, "He just can't handle that heavy ground but I'm not sorry I ran him. He wasn't knocked about and it's still the same story with him." Harchibald's odds for the Champion Hurdle remain unchanged at 14/1 with Paddy Power, while Macs Joy has been pushed out from 7/1 to 9/1. Cashmans have him on offer at 16/1 (from 6/1), while the much vaunted Detroit City remains the ante-post favourite.

Macs Joy's trainer Jessica Harrington commented "I thought before the race that Newmill was the danger because we were trying to give him 8lb. Barry also said that he didn't like the ground."

Newmill's handler agreed that the receipt of 8lb from Harchidald and Macs Joy played a major part in the outcome. "It made a very big difference and the Champion Chase is obviously the plan."

he added.

Watson Lake was on top form and enjoyed a welcome change of fortune when recording a very impressive fivelength win under Paul Carberry in the Red Mills Chase. The 3/1 winner will be taken out of the Gold Cup and Champion Chase at the next forfeit stage, with trainer Noel Meade commenting, "I don't think he'll be going to Cheltenham to be honest, although he's in the Ryanair Chase as well. I'd be inclined to stay at home for the Navan race he won last year."