SHARP Rise did Chipping Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon proud by finishing a creditable third behind hot favourite Rawnaq in the American Grand National at Far Hills, New Jersey.

The nine-year-old disputed the lead with Rawnaq from flagfall in the two-miles-and-five-furlong contest, before being outpaced as Ruby Walsh’s mount began to assert going to the ninth obstacle in the $350,000 showpiece.

But, after dropping back through the field, Sharp Rise rallied well to take the minor honours under Brian Hughes as Rawnaq held off Scorpiancer by a length to capture USA’s richest race over jumps.

Back on these shores, Longsdon struck at Kempton on Sunday with Leith Hill Lad, who battled well for Aidan Coleman to get the better of Lough Derg Leader by a length in a novices’ hurdle over two miles and five furlongs.

The master of Hull Farm Stables had also been on the mark at Market Rasen a day earlier with Zara Hope.

Graham Watters was in the saddle as the five-year-old landed a mares’ handicap hurdle over an extended two and a half miles by two lengths from Vic’s Last Stand.

Longsdon had kicked off the week by sending out Sarpech to make all the running with Richard Johnson on board in a two-mile handicap hurdle at Huntingdon, coming home four lengths clear of Istimraar.

On the Flat, Bahamian Sunrise followed up last month’s Sandown success for Chastleton trainer John Gallagher by gaining a half-length verdict over Taajub under Fergus Sweeney in Brighton’s last race of 2016 – an extended five-furlong handicap.