Labaik in favour

LABAIK, the serial non-starter who turned over a new leaf to become a Cheltenham Festival hero, is set to come under the hammer at Aintree next week.

The Gordon Elliotttrained six-year-old, who refused to race at Fairyhouse and Navan in December and consented to complete a tailed-off last of six finishers at Naas in February – sprang a 25-1 shock in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 12 days ago.

It earned Labaik a 12-1 quote for next year’s Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, but Elliott admits the gelding goes to the Goffs UK Aintree Sale on Thursday week with risks attached.

“He’d be a tricky one,” said Elliott (left). “He has an engine, but you never know with him.”

Snow Leopardess held off fellow 7-1 jointfavourite Copper Kay to lift the EBF & TBA Mares’ ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle Final at Newbury.

REVE DE SIVOLA died after suffering a suspected heart attack at Kelso yesterday.