Ciaron Maher, who trains in partnership with David Eustace, revealed Tuesday's Brierly Steeplechase winner Bit Of A Lad had pulled up well after that run.

He said the five-year-old swam in Lady Bay on Wednesday morning and had shown no ill-effects from Tuesday's race.

"He licked the bin out last night and is free in his action," Maher said.

"There had been a concern about the 5500 metres but I've gone with the theory you run well in the Brierly, you go to the Grand Annual.

"I'm having a chat with Johnny Allen, who has ridden two Annual winners for us and hope he will take the ride."

Symon Wilde declared Tuesday's Brierly runner-up Gold Medals would defend his Grand Annual crown. Gold Medals also enjoyed a trip to the beach on Wednesday morning.

"He trotted up well this morning and ate up last night," Wilde said.

"I can't see any reason why he won't run but we will have a look at him later tonight and in the morning before making a final decision."

The pair was impressive in Tuesday's Brierly Steeplechase, separated by just 1.5 lengths at the finish of the 3450-metre race.

Another 'Annual contender Newbury was at the beach and pleased his trainer Declan Maher after his front-running performance on Tuesday. He led until the final jump and finished fourth.

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