Tony McCoy has won the Tangle Teezer Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree on Nicky Henderson's Darlan.
The five-year-old was sent off 7-4 favourite and came home ahead of stable companion Captain Conan, ridden by Barry Geraghty.
McCoy, 37, said: "Today I wanted to ride him handy. He didn't jump as well down the back as he has done. I think he won because he's a good horse and he's got the potential to be a very good horse."
McCoy will be hoping for his second triumph in the Grand National when he rides 7-1 favourite Synchronised in the 4.15pm race tomorrow.
