Richmond Lake may have earned himself a place on Donald McCain’s squad for Aintree next month following a dominant front-running display at Haydock.

Nells Son got the better of the previously unbeaten North Lodge in a thrilling climax to the bet365 Premier Novices’ Hurdle at Kelso.

Donald McCain might have trained more winners than any other trainer in Britain this season, but he looks set to send just a solitary runner to this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

Donald McCain is aiming Richmond Lake at Kelso’s bet365 Premier Novices’ Hurdle on March 5.