Jumps racing fans are treated to blockbuster races meets in the spring time, with the iconic Cheltenham Festival recently playing out at Prestbury Park and the prestigious Grand National Festival starting to appear on the horizon — taking place at Aintree in Merseyside between 13-15 April.
Known as the race the world stops to watch, the Grand National itself is obviously the main attraction of the three-day event. However, with the magnitude of the gruelling contest almost off the scale, there’s a sense that many of the other races over the course of the meeting are overlooked somewhat.
With 11 Grade 1s spread out across the three days, there is plenty of high-quality racing to enjoy on top of the marathon race — which Corach Rambler is the favourite to win according to the Grand National betting. That said, let’s take a look at the meeting’s top-level races.
Day One
The opening day of the Grand National Festival boasts four Grade 1 races in succession, with the Manifesto Novices’ Chase kicking things off before the 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle, Aintree Bowl and Aintree Hurdle following suit.
The onus will be on Nicky Henderson on day one, with Jonbon expected to be upped in trip for the two-mile, four-furlong Manifesto after suffering his maiden defeat over fences at the hands of El Fabiolo in the Arkle at Cheltenham.
Shishkin is then also expected to be upped in trip from 2m4f to three miles for the Bowl after disappointing in the Ryanair Chase following his impressive victory in the Ascot Chase in mid-February. The main attraction will be Constitution Hill however, as he looks to carry on his brilliance in the Aintree Hurdle — the day one feature.
Day Two
There are another four Grade 1s on the second day — which is known as Ladies’ Day. The Midmay Novices’ Hurdle, which often features Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase runners from Cheltenham opens proceedings before a Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle.
Back-to-back top-level contests follow. Up first is the Top Novices’ Hurdle, with exciting mare Luccia another potential runner for Henderson, then it’s on to Melling Chase over 2m4f — which could be the next in the firing ling for Paul Nicholls’ Turners Novices’ Chase winner Stage Star.
The three-mile and half-a-furlong Sefton Novices’ Hurdle follows on from the Grade 3 Topham Handicap Chase. Surprise Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle winner Stay Away Fay could be another potential winner for Harry Cobden and Nicholls in that race.
Day Three
All roads lead to the Grand National on the final day in Merseyside, with the rest of the card all but overshadowed by the fact almost everyone is counting down the minutes to the off at 5:15. However, there are three Grade 1s scattered earlier in the day that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The two-mile Maghull Novices’ Chase, which often attracts Arkle runners, opens proceedings at 1:45 before the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle and Liverpool Hurdle take place back-to-back at 3:00 and 3:45. The three mile and a furlong Grade 3 Freebooter Handicap Chase sets the stage for the National.
