Grand National 2013: Ruby Walsh warms up with win on Zarkandar in Aintree Hurdle Only fourth in the Champion Hurdle over two miles, champion trainer Paul Nicholls decided to help him out with the headgear which he used to wear as a younger horse on the Flat in France. Nigel Twiston-Davies pitched his exciting novice The New One in against more experienced rivals and it only just failed to come off as he went down by half a length. Ruby Walsh was back on board Zarkandar (11-2) having ridden Hurricane Fly at Cheltenham, and with no one else willing to make the running Walsh set off at his own fractions. One by one challengers dropped away, including the dual winner Oscar Whisky, but The New One loomed up and looked likely to go past. However, Zarkandar found plenty for pressure to gain another Grade One triumph to go with his Triumph Hurdle success of a couple of years ago. Thousand Stars, second for the last two years, was third this time. The World Hurdle is likely to be on Zarkandar's agenda next year, for which he is 5-1 with Paddy Power.