Iroko proves he's up for National

IROKO maintained his position at the head of the Grand National betting with a fine victory in the Howden Graduation Chase at Ascot.

- Adam Morgan, PA

His trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero were happy to follow the same path as last year, despite him coming down at the first in this race 12 months ago.

Having finished second at Haydock to The Jukebox Man on his seasonal return, filling the same spot as he had in the corresponding race last season, he still qualified for such events with just the one win over fences to his name.

Fourth in the National last term, all roads lead back to Aintree but while he faced only two rivals, they were from the powerhouse stables of Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins.