TALK about starting as you mean to go on. There’s no getting away from the fact the Betfair Chase – Britain’s opening Grade 1 of the National Hunt season each year – carries with it an excellent roll of honour.

No, it’s not as glamorous as its closest neighbour in the British Grade 1 staying chase calendar, the King George VI Chase at Kempton, but Haydock’s premier staying prize regularly welcomes top-class performers. From Kauto Star to Imperial Commander, Silviniaco Conti to Cue Card, Bristol De Mai to A Plus Tard, the race has showcased a proper winner many times in its 20-year history.