Racing:Veteran chaser Monet's Garden turned in a sensational round of jumping to win the Grade Two Old Roan Chase for the second time in three years at Aintree.
The grey, who won this in 2007 when beating Kauto Star, made every yard of the running for jockey Barry Geraghty, who beamed: "He has jumped as good as you could ever wish a horse to jump. I couldn't be more delighted with him.
"I knew when no challenges appeared that he must have them all at it and he has won brilliantly."
That view was supported by trainer Nicky Richards, who said: "He had been showing signs at home that he was in good nick and he has jumped really well today.
"He was beaten in this race last year, but you can forget that as the ground was all wrong for him that day.
"He showed his true colours when he won the Peterborough Chase and it went wrong at Cheltenham when he came back with a bit of a knock.
"We have not thought too far ahead and will take it from race to race, but I expect he will have another crack at the Peterborough".
Monet's Garden (12-1) won by two and a half lengths from the 2008 Arkle winner Tidal Bay with 13 lengths back to the third horse, Knowhere.
There was drama in the winner's enclosure when Tidal Bay began to spasm, but after speedy veterinary attention was led away apparently none the worse.
"That was a worrying moment," said his owner Graham Wylie. "But he seems all right thank heaven. He has run a terrific race, but just come up against a very good horse in top form and he couldn't quite get to him."
The disappointment of the race was the well-backed 11-4 joint-favourite Tartak, whose jumping was in stark contrast to the winner. Bad mistakes at the second, eighth and four out meant he was last of the eight to finish.