COLIN Tizzard secured a one-two victory as Ultragold claimed back-to-back wins and Shanahan's Turn claimed second in the Randox Health Topham Chase at Aintree.

Tizzard's charge caused a 50-1 upset when scoring 12 months ago and filled the runner-up spot over the famous fences in the Grand Sefton Chase in December.

He failed to get competitive on his two most recent appearances at Cheltenham, but the 14-1 chance appeared reinvigorated by the return to the Grand National course, jumping boldly in front throughout in the hands of Harry Cobden.

The well-fancied Theatre Territory loomed up ominously before the home turn and Irish raider Shanahan's Turn threw down a strong challenge after the final fence, but Ultragold comfortably saw them both off, passing the post with three and three-quarter lengths in hand.

A jubilant Cobden said: "I can't really believe he's done it again, but you can't ask for a better partner over these fences than this fella. He's eyes up every fence and he rides me.

"The ground didn't feel too soft on this lad, to be honest. He's such a lovely horse, he does everything you ask and he's a pleasure to ride."

Tizzard said after his one-two: "He comes alive when he goes around these fences. It was brilliant.

"When the loose horse had a go at taking Ultragold out, at least I knew we had the one just behind anyway as a second string.

"It's lovely when that happens (having the first two). It was a lovely run by Shanahan's Turn. Robbie (Power) fancied his chances coming up to the elbow. Fantastic.

"We were looking at the racecard to see how old Ultragold was. It's three times he's been here - two wins and a second now.

"There is that National factor. He doesn't do it at Cheltenham or anywhere like that. It's the National fences. They still have an effect like they used to. It's a big factor, he loves it.

"We talked about going for the National this year, but we thought he doesn't really stay that far."