Daryl Jacob to keep What A Friend ride for the Grand National at Aintree

That was the Twitter message from Paul Nicholls this afternoon (Monday). Jacob rode the staying on What A friend to fourth place in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, staying on well and just failing to get to Kauto Star in third as Long Run and Denman filled to the first two places in one of the greatest Gold Cups in recent history.

Immediately, speculation began as to who would ride the Sir Alex Ferguson part owned, Ditcheat inmate, in the Grand National, Ruby Walsh being one possibility. But Jacob has been confirmed as retaining the ride, which leaves Walsh likely to ride for Willie Mullins and the current favourite for the race The Midnight Club.

What A friend is currently priced at 12/1 for the National Hunt show-piecee at Aintree although he does hold an entry for the Totesport Bowl, the race he won last year in which Imperial Commander fell. That's over 3m 1f, as opposed the 4mile marathon of the National.

The question on many punters lips now will be if Ruby Walsh has chosen The Midnight Club over What A Friend; as the latter does looks well handicapped at 11-06 for the race given his Gold Cup performance, does Walsh fancy the chances of the Mullins runner more?