Ladbrokes World Hurdle winner Inglis Drever is likely to compete at Aintree, as informed by trainer Howard Johnson. The eight-year-old, owned by Andrea and Graham Wylie, is expected to renew his rivalry with Black Jack Ketchum in the John Smith’s Liverpool Hurdle, the first event of the three-day meeting.

Inglis Drever was the star on day three of the Cheltenham Festival when he won his second World Hurdle. Trainer Johnson feels the horse is now even in better form than last month. “He’s come out of Cheltenham without a bother. In fact, I’d say he’s even better than he was before the World Hurdle,” Johnson explained.

The trainer’s main concern is the condition of the ground although the job that is being done by Aintree officials to maintain good ground is likely to end all his worries. “I wouldn’t take any chances on running him on firm ground,” Johnson assured. “Mind you, I don’t suppose many others would run there if it was like that.”