Grand National title holder Ballabriggs pleased connections in a racecourse spin at Haydock ahead of his lead-up run for Aintree at Kelso next month.

The Donald McCain-trained 11-year-old galloped two miles (3200m) in the hands of his regular partner Jason Maguire accompanied by his stable companion Son Of Flicka.

“He certainly enjoyed that and it was great of Haydock to let us come here after Bangor was abandoned last week as we were meant to be going there,” said McCain.

“We haven’t done a lot with him today. He’s just done a swinging gallop round over two miles.

“He quickened up in the straight and it’s tough old ground out there, but it’s just the job to get him away from home. We can kick on from here.

“He’s a big bull of a horse and that should have done him some good. We are now headed to Kelso.”

Ballabriggs will run in the Premier Chase on March 3 in which he was second last season before going on to Aintree glory.

PA AAP T