Hiddenvalley Lake (12-1) went two places better than a year ago to claim victory in the Grade One The Ivy Liverpool Hurdle over an extended three miles. The eight-year-old prevailed by two and three-quarter lengths from last year’s winner Strong Leader.

The winner scored in the colours of owner Brian Acheson’s Robcour. Robcour has also been set to run likely Teahupoo, but he was withdrawn on account of the going.

Winning trainer: Henry De Bromhead, saddling his first winner of what has been a quiet Aintree for him so far, said: “He was third in this race last year but had only run twice since, when just chinned at Ascot, running really well, then a bit disappointing at Gowran. He’s a nice horse and it’s lovely to have him back. I’m delighted for Robcour as they’re great supporters of ours and of the game.

“With Teahupoo coming out it’s worked out really well for us and I’m delighted for everyone. Darragh was brilliant on him and he really stuck at it from the last. I always thought he wanted softer ground and we were a bit nervous about it, but you could argue he’s improved for it.”

Successful jockey Darragh O’Keeffe said: ““He did for sure [deserve a big win]. Henry had a big deal to do with this. There was no pace looking at the race and we were toying with the idea of making the running on him, but Henry came back in and said, ‘Just ride him the way you normally do and if it works out, great’. We were unsure about the ground, but he handled it brilliantly. He travelled into it so well, had a good jump at the third last and the same at the second last. He had a look in front, but he stays really well.

“I’m very privileged to be able to pick up rides for him (Henry De Bromhead) and great to ride a big winner for Robcour as well, they’ve given me plenty of chances throughout the season. I was pipped with this lad in the Long Walk and just delighted that he’s won today.

“It’s brilliant, especially to do it here [win a Grade One]. I hit the cross-bar a few times at Cheltenham and it’s great to knock one in at Aintree. I’m grateful to Henry the owners for putting me up on him. I was just touched off on him in the Long Walk Hurdle, so it’s nice to come and get his day today.

“We went a nice gallop, and he stays well, but he can be a little bit keen, so I wanted to get him settled and into a nice rhythm. I thought if he was back to himself, he’d run well, and he did. He hit a bit of a flat spot before I turned in, but once I got him some air he jumped well and picked up and stayed on to the line.

“My family are here and it’s great to have them here and to have a winner on Grand National day.”

Olly Murphy, trainer of runner-up Strong Leader, said: “He ran very well. He jumped well on the whole, just probably missed a couple of hurdles at a crucial time. He’s backed up his run from last year. He’s just a horse who needs to be kept to a flat track now and I think we’ll campaign him a bit differently next year. There’s another one of these in him. I think he likes nice ground - he’s run very well.”