Tough time in Den as Rams lose to Lions

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Registered in England & Wales No. 82548. Printed by Reach Printing Services, Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 8EP.

MAJBOROUGH'S in pole position to take advantage of the ab sence of last year's winner Marine Nationale in the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase on the second day of action at Cheltenham.

Even if Barry Connell's star had not missed the race with a late setback, Majborough would have gone off favourite but his task has been made significantly easier.

Winner of the Triumph Hurdle two years ago for Willie Mullins, he looked a likely winner of last year's Arkle before making a massive mistake at the secondlast fence and he performed a minor miracle to be beaten less than a length by Jango Baie.

His jumping frailties were evident at Punchestown afterwards and in his first two outings this season, but cheekpieces transformed him last time out.