Latest from Horse & Hound in Grand-national

‘Part of the family to the end’: farewell to Grand National winner who made dreams come true

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 11 May 2026 13:51:22 +0000

The 2013 Grand National winner Auroras Encore has died aged 24, having been “part of the family to the end”.

Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith Racing have paid tribute to the horse who made dreams come true, promising he would never be forgotten.

“Auroras Encore achieved what every owner, trainer and jockey dreams of when he won the 2013 Grand National – the world’s most famous and toughest steeplechase,” they said.

“To conquer the Aintree fences and win the hardest jumps race of them all takes an incredibly brave and special horse, and Auroras Encore did it in unforgettable style. His victory gave everyone connected to him memories that will last a lifetime and secured his place in racing history.”

Auroras Encore won the 166th Grand National with Ryan Mania by nine lengths, for Sue Smith and owners Douglas Pryde, Jim Beaumont and David van der Hoeven. The 66-1 shot had been sold to Frank Barry for €7,000 as a yearling, then to Sue’s husband Harvey for €9,500 as a three-year-old. The son of Second Empire, bred by Mountarmstrong Stud in Ireland, went on to win £725,737 in total.

He was trained by Sue Smith for his whole career, which also included finishing second in the Scottish Grand National in 2012 and winning a listed hurdle at Aintree in 2008, at 50-1.

Auroras Encore raced three more times after his National win, retiring in January 2014.

“After his racing days were over, he spent his retirement here with us on the farm, enjoying the peaceful life he deserved,” Joel and Sue said. “He was a much-loved horse with a kind nature and a big personality, and he remained part of the family right until the very end.

“We feel incredibly lucky to have cared for him throughout his retirement and to have shared so many years with such a remarkable horse.

“Rest easy, champion. You will always be remembered and never forgotten.”

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‘Breathless, chaotic, compelling – it was a proper, old-fashioned Grand National,’ says trainer Kim Bailey

Kim Bailey — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:32:55 +0000

Successful National Hunt trainer Kim Bailey on an “extraordinary” Aintree and crowning a new champion trainer

The 2026 Randox Grand National was full of fairy tales, as it so often is, and this year’s race felt like a proper, old-fashioned renewal.

Thirty-four went to post, and only 16 completed. The rest fell or unseated, and watching it, you almost felt the track had shrunk as there was so much happening, you barely knew where to look.

It was relentless.

The result itself was extraordinary. Willie Mullins brought up his fourth win in the race and his third in as many years. Those four Grand National winners place him in the record books alongside trainers Fred Rimell and Ginger McCain as the very best.

I Am Maximus wrote his own chapter by winning it for the second time, having finished second in between his two wins – now that takes some doing. What a horse! I am sure he will be back next year to try to equal the great Red Rum’s record of three wins.

Chaos and drama

I can’t remember seeing so many fallers and unseated riders in the Grand National. It added to that sense of chaos, but also to the drama that makes the race what it is.

The Irish dominance was striking, too – of the first 12 horses home, 10 were trained in Ireland. The only British-trained horses in the top 12 were the runner-up Iroko, for the Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero yard, and the fourth-placed Johnnywho for father-and-son trainers Jonjo and AJ O’Neill.

JP McManus remarkably owned the first, second and fourth-placed horses. JP is now the most successful winning owner in the race’s history, overtaking Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud, Trevor Hemmings, Noel Le Mare, James Octavius Mitchell and Sir Charles Assheton-Smith who have all won the race three times. That tells its own story.

Turning for home, it looked for all the world as though Ben Jones might have stolen it on Joseph O’Brien’s Jordans, when he kicked early, perhaps too early. Stamina told in the end. Meanwhile, Paul Townend was creeping into it, and he produced his challenge to perfection, getting there halfway up the run-in.

A tough 24 hours

Victory in the Grand National capped a difficult 24 hours for Townend, coming so soon after that awful incident on Gold Dancer, who was euthanised after winning the Grade One Mildmay Novices’ Chase.

Moments like that remind you how fragile the sport can be, and however decisions are explained, they never sit easily with everyone. Racing has those moments where we all hold our breath.

But back to the race itself. It was a proper National. Breathless, chaotic, compelling. The sort you watch through slightly parted fingers. Still the most exciting race in the world and perhaps because of that, the one that makes the whole sport watch on the edge of our seats.

A deserved champion

Aintree racecourse held three days of fantastic racing, with huge crowds and a wonderful atmosphere. We all know the Liverpudlians love a good day out and they make us enjoy it with them, but we also took away from the meeting the fact that Dan Skelton deserves to be crowned this season’s champion trainer at Sandown on Saturday, having had six winners over the three days at Aintree.

The way Dan, Harry and father Nick are building the Skelton racing empire, will Dan be champion trainer for at least the next 10 years?

So, we roll on for another year, and the Mullins bandwagon will be back. It is more than possible he will break his own record next year by winning the great race for a record fifth time. The King of Aintree – if not in the next 12 months, who would even think of it not happening within the next 24 months!

● What was your standout moment from the Grand National? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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(Image credit: Grossick Photography)

Aintree great channels Red Rum to reclaim Grand National title: ‘He’ll gallop to the end of the world for you’

(Image credit: Grossick Photography)

What did you do in your Easter holidays? Schoolboy wins at Scottish Grand National meeting riding his grandfather’s home-bred

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‘You really connect with a horse like this’: galloping grey finds his groove to shine for Skeltons at Grand National Festival

(Image credit: Grossick Photography)

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Grand National hero Noble Yeats passes away in retirement at age 11

Lucy Elder — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:40:51 +0000

Noble Yeats, who won the 2022 Randox Grand National with top amateur Sam Waley-Cohen on the jockey’s final ride, has died in retirement aged 11.

The son of Yeats showed signs of colic on Wednesday (15 April) night and despite vets’ best efforts, he could not be saved.

“He gave us one of the great days of our lives and fulfilled our dreams,” said Sam, in a BBC report on the horse’s passing. “He was brilliant for us and was one of those special horses.”

In a recent feature with Racing TV, Noble Yeats could be seen enjoying his retirement in a big field with fellow legends Long Run, who Sam rode to 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup glory, and 2011 Grand National runner-up Oscar Time.

“It was overwhelming, I put my head down on his withers just for a moment and said, ‘Thank you’,” Sam told Racing TV, reflecting on that day at Aintree four years ago.

“It was an amazing day. You go with such low expectations… and to come out on such an amazing high was unbelievable.”

Noble Yeats, who was owned by Sam’s father Robert and was trained by Emmett Mullins, finished fourth in the race the following year with Sean Bowen in the saddle.

His other major wins included victory in the Grade Two Many Clouds Chase the same year he won the Grand National, and the Grade Two Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2024. He also finished fourth in the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Noble Yeats retired from racing in 2024 after winning seven of his 24 starts under Rules and more than £760,000 prize money.

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(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

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2J3PE7R Noble Yeats ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen (right) jump The Chair fence on their way to winning the Randox Grand National Handicap Chase during Grand National Day of the Randox Health Grand National Festival 2022 at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday April 9, 2022. (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

‘It’s a fairytale’: Sam Waley-Cohen wins the Grand National on his last ever ride

‘He’s loving the attention’: meet police horse who overcame emergency colic surgery to lead in his 10th Grand National winner

Lucy Elder — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:58:56 +0000

Police horse Silver is trusted with one of the most important jobs at the Grand National.

The 18-year-old gelding, who serves with Merseyside Police, marked a special milestone this year when he led in the winner of the Aintree showpiece for a 10th time. The moment was even more special as Silver was taken to veterinary hospital in August last year for emergency colic surgery.

The team at the University of Liverpool’s Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital found a lipoma was causing the issue.

“What followed was a long road to recovery: box rest, endless cuddles, careful hand walks, hand grazing and gentle time back out in the paddock,” said a police spokesperson.

“Fast forward to now, he’s fully recovered, back on full duties and loving the attention. We’re all convinced he thought the crowd was there just for him!”

The spokesperson said the police horses “always make us proud” but Silver “really outdid himself” at Aintree.

Police horse Silver (pictured, left) behind 2026 Grand National winner I Am Maximus. (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Silver was joined by his equine colleague Owen to accompany 2026 Randox Grand National hero I Am Maximus into the winners’ enclosure on Saturday (11 April).

Reflecting on the festival as a whole, Merseyside Police chief inspector Geoff Stewart said: “Merseyside has welcomed huge crowds at Aintree this week and I would like to thank the vast majority of racegoers for enjoying themselves safely and responsibly, while helping make it another successful event for the region.

“During the course of the three days our officers have enjoyed engaging with racegoers and ensuring their safety, and we are pleased to report there was a great atmosphere throughout with a low number of incidents.

“Months of extensive planning alongside our partner agencies goes into large-scale events such as this to ensure they run as smoothly as possible.

“Given the numbers of people attending, I am delighted that once again the overwhelming majority of visitors behaved themselves responsibly and enjoyed the fantastic atmosphere.”

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Aintree great channels Red Rum to reclaim Grand National title: ‘He’ll gallop to the end of the world for you’

Lucy Elder — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:26:16 +0000

I Am Maximus has won the 2026 Randox Grand National – becoming the first horse to regain the title since the great Red Rum.

The Willie Mullins-trained 10-year-old carried top weight of 11st 12lb and led home a dominant hand for owner JP McManus, who owned three of the first four over the finish line.

I Am Maxiumus closed in on leader Jordans at the elbow, leaving him in his slipstream as he powered up the run-in to win in emphatic style.

“He will gallop to the end of the world for you,” said winning jockey Paul Townend, who was also in the saddle for the horse’s first Grand National win in 2024 and when he finished runner-up in last year’s race.

“He’s so good; he has such an engine. It’s a privilege to have anything to do with him, what a horse.”

Mullins had nine potential contenders runners in the race – down to eight by the time they lined up following the withdrawal of defending champion Nick Rockett – but Townend only ever had eyes for I Am Maxiumus.

“Obviously Grangeclare West’s preparation was really good in the Bobbyjo, which I won on Nick Rockett in 2025 and who then came here last year and beat me, but this lad wasn’t telling me not to ride him, so I couldn’t not ride him,” he said.

Mullins, who today equalled Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell’s record of saddling four Grand National winners, hinted that we may see him in next year’s race.

“Hopefully I’ll be here, and hopefully I Am Maximus will be here. I think JP is very keen on I Am Maximus for the National, he says he loves the place, he jumps the fences well, we’ve got a great team with Paul, so hopefully we are all here next year,” he said.

“I imagine JP won’t hear of anything else, so there’ll be this little game going on – I’ll stick him in the Gold Cup, JP will take him out and I’ll stick him back in and he’ll take him out, so that’s what was happening this year. And he said, ‘No, we’re going to skip the Gold Cup’, and it proved so right.”

“Anyone would be emotional. Wow. It was a good call from JP – I wanted to go for the Gold Cup and he said, ‘We’re going to stay for Aintree’, as he felt he was well handicapped. Paul just executed it so well, didn’t he?

“It’s very hard [to win off top weight], but maybe the modern day National is changing and we have to look at it differently.

“It’s the first race we all grew up watching and the race we aspire to win when we go into racing. It’s a race you grow up watching and want to be a part of, just to have a runner is a tremendous sensation and for our owners – just to be involved and here at Aintree is great.”

It’s 49 years since Red Rum regained the title he won in 1973 and 1974, a feat that until now, only two others had achieved – both in the Victorian era. The Lamb, who won in 1868 and 1871, and Manifesto, the winner of the 1897 and 1899 editions.

I Am Maximus’s greatness is clear cut. It’s also on his own terms. His quirks are a part of his strength; the team around him work with that mercurial streak and so he is able to shine on the biggest stage of all. There will be ice-cream for fans at his home-coming celebrations, just don’t ask him for a selfie.

“He will eat you without salt. He is a character – don’t stand in his way!” said Mullins, with a smile.

“When he won the Irish National I said to Paul, whatever you do don’t come off the inside, and the horse refused to race on the inside. After two miles Paul said, sod this and went to the outside. The minute the horse went to the outside he had his ears pricked and he liked it. But he’s by Authorized, and horses by Authorized have that little bit of a quirk in them. You could call it immaturity, whatever, but they’re very good – but they have that quirk. You just don’t want to annoy him – you want to get on his right side.”

‘He ran a blinder’

Fellow McManus horse Iroko, ridden by Jonjo O’Neill Jr, finished second for local trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriro, who are also eyeing a return for next year’s race with their star.

“The build-up to this has been so intense, I think being local… I burst into tears when he got to the line, I felt like a pressure cooker being released,” said Greenall.

Guerriro added: “I’m very proud of him, he’s run a blinder. He finished fourth last year when I Am Maximus was second and he’s probably been beaten a similar distance today.

“We’ll come back and win it next year. He’s got even more experience now and probably his Cheltenham prep wasn’t the best. I Am Maximus will be another year older and we are only eight. It wasn’t to be today, but we’ll win it one day.”

Joseph O’Brien-trained Jordans was third, piloted by Ben Jones. Mr McManus also scooped fourth place with Johnnywho, ridden by Richie McLernon and trained by Jonjo O’Neill Sr.

Randox Grand National 2026 result: full finishing order

Position, horse, jockey, trainer

1 I Am Maximus, Paul Townend, Willie Mullins

2 Iroko, Jonjo O’Neill Jr, Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero

3 Jordans, Ben Jones, Joseph O’Brien

4 Johnnywho, Richie McLernon, Jonjo and A.J. O’Neill

5 High Class Hero, James Bowen, Willie Mullins

6 Favori De Champdou, Danny Gilligan, Gordon Elliott

7 Final Orders, Conor Stone-Walsh, Gavin Cromwell

8 Champ Kiely, Danny Mullins, Willie Mullins

9 Three Card Brag, Jordan Gainford, Gordon Elliott

10 Monty’s Star, Darragh O’Keeffe, Henry de Bromhead

11 Answer To Kayf, John Shinnick, Terence O’Brien

12 Gorgeous Tom, Sean Flanagan, Henry de Bromhead

14 Haiti Couleurs, Sean Bowen, Rebecca Curtis

15 Twig, Beau Morgan, Ben Pauling

16 Firefox, Keith Donoghue, Gordon Elliott

Non-finishers

Lecky Watson (pulled up 29th fence), Spanish Harlem (pulled up before 27th fence), The Real Whacker (pulled up before 13th fence), Amirite (pulled up before 29th fence), Banbridge (unseated rider 15th fence), Beauport (unseated rider 19th fence), Captain Cody (unseated rider 27th fence), Grangeclare West (unseated rider first fence), Jagwar (unseated rider 19th fence), Oscars Brother (unseated rider 15th fence), Perceval Legallois (unseated rider 27th fence), Gerri Colombe (fell seventh fence), Marble Sands (fell 18th fence), Mr Vango (fell sixth fence), Panic Attack (fell third fence), Quai De Bourbon (fell second fence), Stellar Story (fell 19th fence), Top Of The Bill (fell 30th fence).

Winning time: 9 minutes 9.68 seconds

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‘You really connect with a horse like this’: galloping grey finds his groove to shine for Skeltons at Grand National Festival

Lucy Elder — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:23:20 +0000

Grey Dawning found his groove in the Melling Chase following a high-octane pas de deux with Solness on day two of the Randox Grand National Festival.

Solness led until the second last, when Grey Dawning kicked away from the field and loomed up his inside. The two titans rose together over the final two fences, locked in battle to the line. Grey Dawning held on, passing the winning post first by a neck in front of Aintree’s sell-out Ladies’ Day crowd.

The nine-year-old gelding ran gallantly to finish fourth in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, so the drop back in trip and first-time cheekpieces in the Grade One feature race was an intriguing move.

“We said we had him in the best shape we could for a Gold Cup and that’s the truth,” said winning trainer Dan Skelton. “We had him in Gold Cup form but unfortunately he’s not good enough to win a Gold Cup. You then have to start batting clever.”

And so they did.

“I was always going to come to this, do something slightly different. What we were doing, we were doing well at, but we weren’t quite winning, so you have to change things,” said Skelton.

“We put the cheekpieces on just to help him a little bit – we didn’t think he needed them for any sort of quirkiness reason, but when you’re dropping back in trip it’s better to have them and not need them than not have them and need them. But he was brave at the back of the last, brave when he perhaps hasn’t sometimes been in the past, I must say, but it can take time sometimes, and what a place for it to happen.”

He added: “He’s been a great horse and he knows how to dance the big dances now. He’s not quite good enough to win a Gold Cup, but we can dance some other dances.”

Winning jockey Harry Skelton dedicated the win to owner Robert Kirkland’s late wife, Lesley, remembering her as a “tremendous lady” and nodding to the support the Kirklands have given him and his brother since they first started out.

“Solness is a tough horse to ride against because you don’t want to take him on too soon. He’s a little terrier, but full credit to our horse as he had the guts and put his head down where it mattered,” said the jockey.

“Solness keeps finding and you don’t want to put your cards on the table too soon, so I was just trying to hold on until we got down to the last. I got a good jump at the last thankfully and then my hands were open. He had to dig deep and he did.

“You really connect with a horse like this and I have a real love for him. Because he’s grey a lot of people have taken to him as well and he’s a multiple Grade One winner now.”

“The same bit of luck would be ideal”

Teenager Conor Stone-Walsh would dream he was sailing over the Grand National fences when he was riding his pony as a child.

The 19-year-old rising star lived that dream with a foot-perfect spin over the iconic fences to win the Randox Topham Chase aboard flashy chestnut Will The Wise for trainer Gavin Cromwell.

“I remember, when we were kids, making Grand National jumps for our ponies, and it’s massive to get a win over these fences,” said Conor, who also scored his first Cheltenham Festival winner this year.

“I grew up hunting with the Killinick Harriers, Pony Clubbing and point-to-pointing, and I’ve always wanted to ride at these big meetings. I ride Final Orders in the Grand National tomorrow – the same bit of luck would be ideal!”

“I rode on the Flat for Joseph O’Brien, but I only ever wanted to be a jump jockey and have worked for Gavin since I started over jumps. Gavin’s been very good to me, and his owners have been very good as well, so big thanks to them.”

Birthday gift keeps on giving

Wellington Arch showed how he has strengthened up over the past 12 months with a repeat of his 2025 success in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle.

The Blue Bresil seven-year-old, bought by Mary Gaskell for her husband Mike as a birthday gift, held on well to win by just over a length in the hands of Jonjo O’Neill Jr.

“His jumping was a little bit sketchy at one stage but ‘Jonje’ has done a great job getting him back into a rhythm to go and win again off a considerably higher mark than last year,” said AJ O’Neill, who trains the winner alongside his father Jonjo.

“It was a very brave performance and ‘Jonje’ gave him an awesome ride and had him in a great spot all the way. He went to Punchestown afterwards last year and we might consider it, but we’ll enjoy today first.”

Neil King celebrates storming first Grade One win

Storming George surged past his rivals in the closing stages of the Thatprizeguy Top Novices’ Hurdle to give trainer Neil King a first Grade One win.

“He’s a horse we made ourselves after buying him as a store (unbroken three-year-old) from Goffs. It’s been a fabulous journey with the most wonderful owner behind him in Mr [Peter] Beadles,” said King, also crediting jockey Jack Quinlan.

“I’ve always thought he’s a lovely horse and he’ll jump a fence as well. He’s always been a great jumper.”

He added: “How can I sum up 30 years of really hard work in one sentence? We do this day in and day out, all of us. We do it for the love of the horse and we love the sport. To get that kind of a result is just fantastic.”

Sad epitaph for Gold Dancer

In a sad note to the day, Gold Dancer was put down after winning the second race – the William Hill Mildmay Novices’ Chase.

The seven-year-old gelding momentarily lost his back end when jumping the final fence and continued to win. He was pulled up after the line and jockey Paul Townend quickly dismounted.

A spokesperson for Aintree Racecourse said that the horse “was immediately attended to by our expert veterinary team but sadly he could not be saved” and added that the racecourses’s “heartfelt condolences are with his connections”.

A British Horseracing Authority (BHA) stewards’ enquiry stated: “An enquiry was held into the riding of the winner […] from jumping the final fence up until rounding the bend towards the pull up area after which the gelding was immediately assessed by veterinary surgeons and subsequently euthanised on welfare grounds. Townend and the [BHA] director of equine regulation, safety, and welfare were both interviewed and shown recordings of the incident.

“Townend explained that Gold Dancer had made a bad mistake at the last fence after which it had taken a stride or two for the gelding to gather himself before, in his opinion, running on in a straight line to the winning line where Gold Dancer felt sound.

“Townend added that it was only until rounding the bend towards the pull up area that the gelding’s action changed when Gold Dancer went from a canter to a trot after which he immediately dismounted from the gelding.

“After reviewing the footage, the director of equine, safety, and welfare explained that Gold Dancer’s action was typical of a three-mile chaser in the final stages of a race and supported the evidence of Townend. After hearing all of their evidence, the stewards noted Townend’s explanation.”

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Grand National tips from racing gurus, including a mare who ticks all the boxes and a 50/1 fancy

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:10:04 +0000

The world famous Randox Grand National at Aintree racecourse is one of the biggest betting events in the sporting calendar so if you’re looking for some Grand National tips, you’ve come to the right place.

The Aintree showpiece draws out plenty of once-a-year gamblers as well as armchair spectators and racing fans. But with a mammoth field of 34 horses and jockeys to choose from in the Grand National this year, where do you start?

To help you decide who might be returning to the winner’s enclosure after the 4pm race on Saturday 11 April, we’ve asked some racing experts to share their Grand National tips.

Read on for all their insight. Good luck!

Grand National tips

Jagwar

Trainers: Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero | Jockey: Mark Walsh

Jagwar is my pick as H&H racing editor. One of seven potential runners in the Grand National for prolific owner JP McManus, whose horses run in the famous green and gold silks, and Jagwar is seemingly the pick of Gold Cup-winning jockey Mark Walsh. The pair finished an eye-catching second in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival over 3m 1f, an excellent prep run for the 4m 2½f Grand National, and the big-striding seven-year-old should be better suited by the Aintree track.

For longer-priced each-way bets, I’m picking Oscars Brother (trainer Connor King, jockey Daniel King), who I’m hoping could be a bit of a dark horse, and Spanish Harlem, who will be ridden by Brian Hayes for the all-conquering Willie Mullins stable. His jumping can be very hit and miss – not ideal for the Grand National admittedly – but he ran a cracker in the Thyestes before unseating at the last.

ITV Racing presenter Oli Bell agrees with Jagwar as his Grand National selection, adding: “He’s got a great weight, ran a super race at Cheltenham and could really thrive over the National trip. He’s got a cracking chance for owner JP McManus.”

Panic Attack

Trainer: Dan Skelton | Jockey: Harry Skelton

Grand National-winning trainer and H&H columnist Kim Bailey says: “I was taught by the great Aintree specialist Fred Rimell, who won this great race four times. He always said the best profile for a Grand National horse was one that had the speed of a two-and-a-half-miler and the stamina of a three-miler. Panic Attack has that profile. What a way for Dan Skelton to round off his season.”

Nick Skelton, father of Panic Attack’s trainer Dan and jockey Harry, agrees with Kim and he will be cheering them on in this year’s Grand National: “A mare hasn’t won the Grand National since Nickel Coin in 1951 but Panic Attack has a low weight, she travels well, she jumps well and she’s quick enough in the beginning to lie up with them, I’d think. Let’s hope she’s there at the end if she’s good enough.”

Grangeclare West

Trainer: Willie Mullins | Jockey: Patrick Mullins

ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin looks to last year’s winning trainer and jockey combination for his Aintree pick: “Grangeclare West was third in the Grand National last year but was unlucky not to finish closer after a mistake at the last. He had the perfect prep when winning the Bobbyjo Chase in February in impressive fashion.”

Iroko

Trainers: Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero | Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

Racing journalist and H&H’s form guide expert Carl Evans picks out the fourth-placed horse from last year’s race as one of his Grand National tips: “He was finishing well from off the pace, suggesting he should be better equipped for the challenge this time. Two fine runs before Christmas showed his wellbeing, and while well beaten at Cheltenham recently he subsequently produced a mucky tracheal wash (in short he was below par). If that is cleared up he heads to Aintree with a fine chance.

“For each-way bits I’m picking Stellar Story (trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Robbie Dunne) and Lecky Watson (Willie Mullins and Sean O’Keeffe).”

Professional golfer Lee Westwood, co-captain at Majesticks Golf Club, loves watching and betting on races and owns racehorses himself. He famously won a £48,000 jackpot payout at the Cheltenham Festival after successfully predicting six of the day’s seven winners. As well as Iroko, the golf star picks out Panic Attack, Haiti Couleurs, Captain Cody and Banbridge. “Those are my five Grand National tips,” he says.

I Am Maximus

Trainer: Willie Mullins| Jockey: Paul Townend

If you’re watching the Aintree racing on TV, you’ll be enjoying Richard Hoiles’ expert commentary on ITV Racing. Here is his tip for the 2026 Grand National: “I Am Maximus was the winner two years ago and runner up last year, he has form in Grade One company and is the class act.”

Monty’s Star

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead | Jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe

Racing journalist Tom Peacock says: “Monty’s Star was fourth in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup and stays very well, heading here a fresh horse. Has the touch of class from Grade One races that is needed nowadays and seems a little under the radar.”

Johnnywho

Trainers: Jonjo & AJ O’Neill | Jockey: Richie McLernon

H&H’s Grand National reporter Lucy Elder says: “I like the way Johnnywho won the Ultima on his last start at Cheltenham – the same race that Corach Rambler landed in 2022 and on his way to Grand National victory in 2023. He had a nice spin over the Grand National fences in the Grand Sefton back in November, is carrying a favourable weight (10st 4lb) and would be my choice for an each way bet.”

So that’s your Grand National tips in a nutshell. Enjoy the race wherever you may be watching it! You can relive all the action from the three-day Randox Grand National Festival and enjoy added insight, interviews and exclusive comment in H&H’s bumper magazine report, in the shops Thursday 16 April.

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How to watch the Grand National 2026 live from anywhere in the world

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:32:40 +0000

Watch the Grand National this Saturday (11 April 2026) and join the massive global audience to enjoy this major event in the racing calendar.

The Grand National has been running officially since 1839 and this year there are 34 Grand National runners and riders gearing up for their chance to write their names in the history books. You can download our Grand National sweepstake kit to add another element of excitement to your day.

At a glance

Grand National date: Saturday 11 April 2026
Watch Grand National on TV: ITV (UK, FREE) and Racing TV
Watch Grand National from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch the Grand National on TV

ITV will screen most of the action live and for free on ITV1 and ITVX, while Racing TV (Sky channel 424/Virgin Media 536) will broadcast via its subscription-based service.

You don’t need an ITVX subscription to watch live racing – just an email address and a valid TV license. You can register for a free account or download the app to your mobile device.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to unlock your ITVX stream of the Grand National action from anywhere in the world.

Free ITV coverage

ITV Racing will broadcast live from Aintree racecourse on 11 April from 12:45–5pm. You can watch on TV or online via ITVX.

Five of the seven races, including the Grand National, will be broadcast live on ITV1 (and can be streamed on ITVX). The first (12:45pm) and final race (5pm) of the day will not be available on ITV.

Whos presenting ITV Racing Grand National coverage?

The ITV racing coverage will, once again, be hosted by Ed Chamberlin, who has been the ITV Racing presenter since 2017. Richard Hoiles will be the lead commentator and will be supported by Mark Johnson and Stewart Machin.

Analysis will be provided by Sir AP McCoy, Mick Fitzgerald and Rachael Blackmore. Alice Plunkett will be reporting from the course, Brian Gleeson on betting, Matt Chapman in the paddock and Luke Harvey at the start. Sam Quek will also be on your screens as part of the team.

Oli Bell will be presenting The Opening Show.

What time is the Grand National?

The Grand National will start at 4pm on Saturday 11 April 2026. The first race of the day is 12:45pm.

Full Grand National day race schedule

12:45pm | The Hallgarten and Novum Wines Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase
1.20pm | The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race
1.55pm | The Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle Race
2.30pm | The William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase
3.05pm | The Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle Race
4pm | The Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase
5pm | The Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race

How to watch first and last race of the day

ITV will not broadcast the first or final races on Grand National Day, so you’ll need to switch over to Racing TV for this coverage.

How to watch the Grand National from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal ITVX coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get an exclusive 75% off, which offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

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What distance is the Grand National?

The Grand National is 4m 2½ furlongs, which equates to 6.94km.

How long does the Grand National last?

This is really dependent on the raceday conditions, but you can expect it to be complete in around 10–12 minutes. The average winning time is 9min 10sec, but there have been variations of the course and fence heights over the years.

The fastest time ever was 8min 47.8sec recorded by Mr Frisk in 1990, while the slowest time was the first ever running of the race in 1839, when Lottery took 14min 53sec to be the first across the line.

How many fences are in the Grand National?

The Grand National requires horses to jump a total of 30 fences over two laps of the Aintree course. There are 16 individual fences, but only only 14 are jumped on the second circuit – The Chair (15) and The Water Jump (16) are omitted.

The Grand National course at Aintree racecourse. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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‘He would beat Artemis II to the Moon’: Barton Snow rockets to Foxhunters’ glory on opening day of Grand National Festival

Lucy Elder — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:08:29 +0000

As Barton Snow swept across Merseyside, all trainer Joe O’Shea could see was the sun.

The former rag and bone man, who traces his love of Aintree to sneaking into the racecourse as a child to watch Rag Trade win in 1976, had to take the media’s word for how impressive his horse was, how cooly jockey Henry Crow rode, how easily he won the Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunter Chase (9 April). The glare reflecting from the big screen meant he instead had to turn to his minds’ eye to picture Barton Snow rocketing to the Aintree-Cheltenham hunter chase double. But he knows how good this horse is.

“He’s so fast, he would beat Artemis II to the Moon!” said O’Shea, for whom this was a third Aintree Foxhunters’ success at the Grand National meeting. “If NASA had phoned me I could have got them to the moon and back in nine days, and it’s taking them 10.”

The nine-year-old, who won last month’s Princess Royal Hunters’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and who is now unbeaten in his last eight starts in hunter chases and point-to-points, looked well within his comfort zone as he cruised home seven lengths ahead of runner-up Lets Go Champ. Jockey Henry Crow took a peek over each shoulder after in the run-in – his only perceptible move in the saddle – and Barton Snow lengthened comfortably away to win with ease.

“We don’t know how good he is. He does this at home every day,” said O’Shea, who is recovering from a quadruple heart bypass.

“He’s an amazing horse, and again Henry says he’s done it in third gear. We first realised how good he was at Stratford last year, and he doesn’t just do 37 miles an hour for 100yards – he keeps it up.”

It’s 50 years since O’Shea crept into Aintree to put 10 shillings on Rag Trade. His first Foxhunters with Cousin Pascal came 45 years later (2021), followed by Gracchus De Balme in 2025. It’s the horses, he says, and the love of the game that gets him out of bed in the morning.

“It’s the thought of the opposition getting up before me and working their horses overtaking me. Getting to the top was easy; it’s staying there that’s hard,” he told H&H. “That’s what gets me out of bed. And having horses like him, Gracchus De Balme, and an unbelievable novice in Boley Bob, who is by the same stallion, Snow Sky, and who hasn’t been beaten yet.”

Crow, a 25-year-old Shropshire farmer, who has been in the saddle for all three of Barton Snow’s hunter chase triumphs this season, gave all the credit to the horse and to O’Shea.

“I’m the first Crow to be on this roll of honour, but all the praise should go to Joe – I feel very grateful he put me on. It’s all down to him. He gave me my very first ride and my very first winner and without him, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said.

Gold Cup runner-up shines at Aintree

Gold Cup runner-up Jango Baie, trained by Nicky Henderson, bounced out of Cheltenham to win the Grade One Racing Welfare Bowl.

“I think he’s put to bed that stat that they go to the Gold Cup and then don’t come here,” said jockey Nico de Boinville, who himself bounced back after parting company from favourite Lulamba in the William Hill Manifesto Novices’ Chase half-an-hour earlier.

“It’s a funny old game and it certainly keeps you meek and humble. It will certainly put manners on you,” said de Boinville, reflecting on his swing in fortunes in the space of two races. “You just have to look at yourself in the mirror and say, ‘Come on, lad. Chin up, let’s go again.”

He added: “My stomach was on the floor going into the race after Lulamba. [Luhlamba] was travelling really well and I thought he jumped the fence cleanly but suddenly he pecked on landing. His back-end must have overtaken the front and he’s gone down on his knees and then come back up and pushed me out of the way. It happens a lot. It’s gravity, and I wished I was on the moon! It was the right trip, and he’ll be a year older next year.”

Henderson added that the King George and the Gold Cup will be the likely targets for Jango Baie again next season.

“Coming here was the only option after the Gold Cup. We had the extra week this year; it’s always hard,” he said. “Both horses – him and Lulamba – came here great. What happened with Lulamba – he was fresh as paint and in great shape, well done everyone at home – but it was tough for Nico for that to happen and to come to another Grade One and have to pick yourself up, that’s testament to a proper Grade One jockey.”

‘I’d imagine she’s going to go chasing’

Brighterdaysahead sealed a double of Grade Ones on day one for trainer Gordon Elliott and jockey Jack Kennedy in a gripping William Hill Aintree Hurdle, which featured the horses who finished second to fifth in the 2026 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.

“This is probably her trip and she was awesome. I was nervous but it was kind of easy to watch and Jack was brilliant on her. It’s great for everyone at Gigginstown who have been massive supporters of mine, through thick and thin,” said Elliott.

“She’s a good mare and that’s why she wins over two miles, but I think two and a half is probably her trip. I’d imagine she’s going to go chasing. She was supposed to go this year but she pulled a muscle and that’s why she didn’t.

“She hasn’t won at Cheltenham but she ran a great race there this year.”

The pair also teamed up to win the opener with Mange Tout.

H&H is bringing you news from the 2026 Randox Grand National Festival. Don’t miss the bumper magazine report, in the shops Thursday, 16 April.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Rachael Blackmore named Aintree legend as she takes on new Grand National challenge

Lucy Elder — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:10:58 +0000

Rachael Blackmore will join the ITV Racing presenting team at Aintree for its coverage of the Randox Grand National on Saturday (11 April).

Rachael, who won the 2021 race aboard Minella Times, will join fellow Grand National-winning jockeys Sir AP McCoy, Ruby Walsh and Mick Fitzgerald on the presenting team this year.

She said she is looking forward to joining the line-up, adding: “It is one of the most iconic races and transcends our sport, capturing the attention of millions all around the world.

“This year will be a completely different experience for me, not going into the weighing room, but I’m excited for the challenge.”

ITV Racing editor Paul Cooper said Rachael is “an icon in racing, as both a top-class jockey and now an ambassador for the sport”.

“We are really looking forward to having her with us on Randox Grand National day,” he said.

The 36-year-old, who retired from race-riding in 2025, was also inducted as a Grand National legend on the opening day of the 2026 festival today (9 April).

Her plaque will be attached to the wall of Blackmore’s, a new alcohol-free bar at Aintree, which she also opened today.

“Aintree is such an incredibly special place,” she said. “I was so lucky to have an amazing day here in 2021, and I absolutely love coming back. I love Liverpool – I love the city, I love the people, and it’s just a fantastic place.

“When I see the list of names – including equine athletes – on the Grand National legends roll of honour, it’s so special to be part of that and a great honour. And to see this beautiful bar opened – I never thought there’d be a racecourse bar named after me! It’s a very special thing. It does hit home how lucky I am.

“I think it is a brilliant initiative to have an alcohol-free space; it’s a really cool place, there’s something else on offer. I don’t drink myself, so I’d better be able to get a free hot chocolate in a minute!”

Aintree racecourse chair Julian Taylor said it is “an enormous privilege” to induct Rachael as an Aintree legend and that her great moment in 2021 is “one that none of us will ever forget”.

“You are a sporting icon, not just here at Aintree but globally, and you are also a lovely human being. Many congratulations to you,” he said.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘You need to be 110% and he’s not’: 2025 Grand National winner ruled out of this year’s race

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:40:57 +0000

Defending Randox Grand National champion Nick Rockett has been ruled out of this year’s race owing to coughing, his trainer has confirmed.

Patrick Mullins, son of top Irish trainer Willie, announced today that the nine-year-old had been ruled out of a crack at back-to-back wins.

He said: “It is 72-hour declarations for the Grand National, and we wanted to give him every chance, but he gave a few coughs this morning and that made up our mind with him.

“It is frustrating, but it was a case of everything needed to go right to get him here and, unfortunately, we just didn’t get everything go right. He could have run, but we didn’t want to do that if he wasn’t 110 per cent.”

Patrick rode Nick Rockett to top a one-two-three for his father in the 2025 Grand National. He decided yesterday (8 April) to ride Grangeclare West, who came third last year, on Saturday and Tom Bellamy had been due to take Nick Rockett’s reins until the call was made.

“You need to be 110 per cent to run in a race like the Grand National and, unfortunately, he is not at the moment,” Patrick said. “We will look at Punchestown now.”

Nick Rockett’s place in the Grand National will be taken by first reserve Pied Piper, for fellow Irish trainer Gordon Elliott and owners R Nolan and M Roden.

Last year’s runner-up and 2024 winner I Am Maximus leads the declarations for Saturday’s race, also for Willie Mullins.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Grand National runners, riders and complete form guide for 2026, including a former winner ruled out on Thursday morning

Carl Evans — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:32:22 +0000

The Grand National runners and riders for 2026 are looking ahead to what is billed as the world’s greatest steeplechase. The £1m Randox Grand National takes place every April at Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside.

The historic race was first run in 1839, when the aptly named Lottery was crowned the first-ever Grand National winner and legendary horses, trainers and jockeys have been making sporting history in the 4m 2f contest ever since.

Sadly last year’s winner Nick Rockett will not be among the starters after he was withdrawn from the race early on Thursday morning, reportedly owing to a cough. Pied Piper and Spillane’s Tower will also not be taking part.

Once you’ve read the form guide, check out our Grand National tips provided by racing experts.

Grand National 2026 runners form guide

Below are all the Grand National runners and riders lining up for Aintree’s world-famous race, following the official declarations on Wednesday 8 April 2026. Download our Grand National sweepstake kit if you want to get involved ahead of the big race, and find out how to read a racecard to learn more about form.

1. I Am Maximus

10yo bay gelding by Authorized

Weight: 11st 12lb

Trainer: Willie Mullins

Owner: JP McManus

Jockey: Paul Townend

Form: 82-925

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Trained in Co Carlow by Willie Mullins who 12 months ago saddled the first three in the National, with this horse splitting stablemates Nick Rockett and Grangeclare West. All three try again and are similarly weighted. I Am Maximus won the race in 2024 and his form has barely deteriorated, but now 10 he is not getting quicker. A likely top-six finisher who can add to the £1.1m he has won in prize money.

3. Banbridge

10yo chestnut gelding by Doyen

Weight: 11st 11lb

Trainer: Joseph O’Brien

Owner: Ronnie Bartlett

Jockey: JJ Slevin

Form: 7-4423

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Presents those who fancy a flutter with a conundrum, because he is high class, but does he have the stamina for a Grand National? His dam’s half-brother tried and failed, but if Banbridge gets into a rhythm on his first attempt over these fences he should run well. Recent form includes being beaten by the length of a flared nostril in Boxing Day’s King George VI Chase before another good effort at the Cheltenham Festival.

4. Grangeclare West

10yo bay gelding by Presenting

Weight: 11st 10lb

Trainer: Willie Mullins

Owner: Cheveley Park Stud

Jockey: Patrick Mullins

Form: 5-8481

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“A brilliant jumper” according to top jockey Paul Townend, and ran a scorcher when third in this race last year. Four further defeats followed, but in February he won Fairyhouse’s Bobbyjo Chase, a noted Grand National trial and in which he defeated no fewer than seven horses who are set to reoppose him at Aintree. Has 2lb more on his back than last year, but with luck in running he should be thereabouts again.

5. Gerri Colombe

10yo bay gelding by Saddler Maker

Weight: 11st 10lb

Trainer: Gordon Elliott

Owner: Robcour

Jockey: Jack Kennedy

Form: 3-P321

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

A class act, as proven by his second place in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup and then a Grade One victory at Aintree the following month. Finished a good second to Grangeclare West in February’s Bobbyjo Chase and then beat three rivals when winning at Down Royal (Nick Rockett third). Stamina for this race an unknown, but has won or been placed in 17 of his 18 races and has never fallen.

6. Haiti Couleurs

9yo bay gelding by Dragon Dancer

Weight: 11st 10lb

Trainer: Rebecca Curtis

Owner: Conyers, McDermott & Prowting

Jockey: Sean Bowen

Form: -1P11P

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Trained on Pembrokeshire’s coast this horse will have broken some hearts when pulling up in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. “As flat as a pancake” was jockey Sean Bowen’s verdict on that run, but with a CV that includes wins in the Welsh and Irish Grand Nationals he cannot be ignored. Soft ground would help and his trainer is pretty cute at targeting big races.

8. Firefox

8yo bay gelding by Walk In The Park

Weight: 11st 4lb

Trainer: Gordon Elliott

Owner: Bective Stud

Jockey: Keith Donoghue

Form: 2-1246

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

One of five likely runners in the race by stallion Walk In The Park, and while unlikely to find his Grand National attempt reflects his sire’s name he could give a good account. Outclassed in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup (just beaten for fifth by L’Homme Presse), but in 20 races has never fallen and often performs with credit against talented rivals. Stamina could be an issue and hard to envisage him out-foxing these rivals.

9. Monty’s Star

9yo bay gelding by Walk In The Park

Weight: 11st 3lb

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead

Owner: Barry Maloney

Jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe

Form: 4-3056

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Likeable type who pays his way by reaching the frame in races, although he has not won for nearly two and a half years. Well beaten in Newbury’s Coral Gold Cup won by Panic Attack in November and outclassed in two Grade One races since, but should be competitive in this handicap, particularly if the ground turns soft. His astute trainer saddled the first and second in this race in 2021.

10. Spanish Harlem

8yo chestnut gelding by Spanish Moon

Weight: 11st 3lb

Trainer: Willie Mullins

Owner: Dr S Fitzgerald

Jockey: Brian Hayes

Form: -11PUP

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

An interesting contender from a yard chock-full of talent, although two of his three most recent runs have been disappointing. However, in the middle of two pulled-up efforts he looked set to land January’s Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park, only to unseat his young jockey at the final fence when in front. Rewind to September and he won the Kerry National (Three Card Brag second), just reward for some solid performances.

11. Lecky Watson

8yo chestnut gelding

by Valirann

Weight: 11st 2lb

Trainer: Willie Mullins

Owner: Slaneyville Syndicate

Jockey: Sean O’Keefe

Form: -F77P8

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

One of nine possible arrows for trainer Willie Mullins to fire at the National, but on recent form this one is unlikely to hit the bullseye. You would not have said that at the end of last season when he surfed a wave of success that included victory at the Cheltenham Festival, but since then results have been poor. Heavy winter ground may have been against him, and a drier surface could help.

12. Champ Kiely

10yo bay gelding by Ocovango

Weight: 11st 1lb

Trainer: Willie Mullins

Owner: Margaret Masterson

Jockey: Danny Mullins

Form: 12S57

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

It’s hard to envisage this one becoming champ on Saturday given doubts over his stamina plus heavy defeats in his two most recent races, albeit he was facing some of the cream of Ireland’s talent. Attempts at races over three miles have been inconclusive (slipped up in one race and then outgunned in Irish Gold Cup) and his best run this season was over two miles. The National is more than twice that distance.

13. Iroko

8yo bay gelding by Cokoriko

Weight: 11st 1lb

Trainers: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Owner: JP McManus

Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

Form: 24-210

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This AQPS-bred (not pure thoroughbred) gelding was fourth last year, finishing well from off the pace and suggesting he should be better equipped this time. Two fine runs before Christmas showed his wellbeing, and while well beaten at Cheltenham recently he subsequently produced a mucky tracheal wash (in short he was below par). If it’s cleared up he heads to Aintree with a fine chance.

14. Favori De Champdou

11yo bay gelding by Saddler Maker

Weight: 11st 1lb

Trainer: Gordon Elliott

Owner: Gigginstown House Stud

Jockey: Danny Gilligan

Form: 05F112

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Taking the Tiger Roll route to the National, this horse has been running in cross-country races this season and has proved his talent. In-between three races around Cheltenham’s obstacle course (runner-up at the Festival) he beat 27 rivals in a handicap chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, so he jumps well and can cope with hurly-burly. On recent trends his age is against him (four 11-year-old winners this century), but he’s not dismissed.

15. Three Card Brag

9yo bay gelding by Jet Away

Weight: 11st

Trainer: Gordon Elliott

Owners: McNeill Family, Patrick & Scott Bryceland

Jockey: Jordan Gainford

Form: -82127

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ran close to the pace for a long way in last year’s National, although stamina began evaporating before the home turn and he finished 11th. Excellent efforts in shorter races since means he now carries another 9lb on his back. A win at Cheltenham in October was followed by second place in Newbury’s Coral Gold Cup behind Panic Attack but he needs a hand of aces on Saturday.

16. Oscars Brother

8yo bay gelding by Malinas

Weight: 10st 13lb

Trainer: Connor King

Owner: JP McManus

Jockey: Daniel King

Form: 221114

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

In terms of horsepower this runner represents a huge owner and a tiny trainer, for former apprentice jockey Connor King has just two racehorses in his Tipperary yard. This one was bought by JP McManus in November following a win at Punchestown and he soon added another victory at Navan. Recent fourth at Cheltenham Festival was a top effort when he might have preferred softer ground. Still a novice, but classy and progressive.

17. Mr Vango

10yo bay gelding by Ocovango

Weight: 10st 12lb

Trainer: Sara Bradstock

Owner: Cracker & Smodge Partnership

Jockey: Jack Tudor

Form: 11-2PP

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

A triple “National” winner, albeit the Devon, London and Midlands versions do not carry the kudos or prize money associated with the Aintree edition. But this big horse has lots of stamina and the ability to handle mud – if the ground dries out he may be withdrawn. Excellent second over Aintree’s National fences in December’s Becher Chase, but two curiously poor runs since temper enthusiasm.

18. High Class Hero

9yo chestnut gelding by Sulamani

Weight: 10st 11lb

Trainer: Willie Mullins

Owners: Sullivan Group, P Crowley & Neill Hughes

Jockey: James Bowen

Form: 23-2PP

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Third in last season’s Gold Cup at Sandown, his debut in a handicap chase, implied this horse could run a big race in a Grand National. That looked no less likely when second at Punchestown in November, but two lacklustre performances since raise questions. Trained by a genius with a transformative touch, but this horse will need that to become an Aintree hero.

19. Stellar Story

9yo bay gelding by Shantou

Weight: 10st 11lb

Trainer: Gordon Elliott

Owner: Gigginstown House Stud

Jockey: Robert Dunne

Form: 2-3383

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Created his own story when beating Harry Redknapp’s The Jukebox Man to land the Cheltenham Festival Albert Bartlett Hurdle two years ago, and has since become a consistent performer. Just one win but often in the money. Ran a fine National trial when third to Grangeclare West in February’s Bobbyjo Chase. Now weighted to reverse the placings with the winner and looks a sound each-way bet here.

20. Beauport

10yo bay gelding by Califet

Weight: 10st 11lb

Trainer: Willy & Nigel Twiston-Davies

Owners: Bryan & Philippa Burrough

Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies

Form: 20-4P4

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ran well for a long way last year, albeit a little keen, before running out of puff in the home straight and finishing 12th, more than 60 lengths behind the winner. Had won a race of similar length at Uttoxeter a year earlier, so we know he has the stamina. Now carries 3lb less, and if more relaxed on his second National attempt he could be closer at the finish.

21. Captain Cody

8yo bay gelding by Arctic Cosmos

Weight: 10st 10lb

Trainer: Willie Mullins

Owners: Vincent Caldwell, Angela Shamoon & A Shamoon Ibgi

Jockey: Jonathan Burke

Form: 1-37F5

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

An interesting contender: the right age, a handy weight and from the number one stable. Won last season’s Scottish National and has thrown some good shapes this year. Well beaten when fifth in the Bobbyjo Chase behind four horses who he’ll face again on Saturday, but wasn’t given a hard race once his chance had gone and a final fence error made the defeat heavier.

22. Jagwar

7yo bay gelding by Karaktar

Weight: 10st 10lb

Trainers: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Owner: JP McManus

Jockey: Mark Walsh

Form: 11-322

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This big young horse might start favourite, for he has developed a Grand National profile with a series of good races. Yet to try a marathon, but stepped up to three miles at Cheltenham last month and ran a cracking race when second of 22 runners. Had won a shorter race at the meeting last year. Favourable weight on his back, locally trained, and if coping with the unique fences should give a good account.

23. Perceval Legallois

9yo bay gelding by Ballingarry

Weight: 10st 9lb

Trainer: Gavin Cromwell

Owner: JP McManus

Jockey: Harry Cobden

Form: 11F-P4

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

After two good victories this horse arrived at Aintree 12 months’ ago with a right chance… only to fall at the ninth. He has run below par twice since then, pulling up in Newbury’s Coral Gold Cup (which was won by Panic Attack) and was subsequently a well-beaten fourth at Tramore in January. His canny trainer could have him back on track, but he started 10/1 for last year’s race and will be a much bigger price this time.

24. Gorgeous Tom

8yo bay gelding by Champs Elysees

Weight: 10st 9lb

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead

Owner: Envirogreen Housing Services

Jockey: Sean Flanagan

Form: 4-4245

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Should be a popular selection with Toms, and looks promising. This horse ran a very good, if not gorgeous, race when fourth to Panic Attack in Newbury’s Coral Gold Cup when conceding 15lb to the mare – he now has to carry just 4lb more. Warmed up for Saturday when finishing fifth of 16 at Leopardstown last month, and while his stamina is unknown his dam was a half-sister to National runner-up Cappa Bleu.

25. The Real Whacker

10yo bay gelding by Mahler

Weight: 10st 9lb

Trainer: Pat Neville

Owners: Neville, Mann, Duffus, Dennis-Price

Jockey: Gavin Sheehan

Form: 54-256

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This former Cheltenham Festival winner (in a Grade One race) has been mixing it with the best for some time, and was fourth to subsequent Gold Cup winner Gaelic Warrior over Aintree’s Mildmay Course a year ago. This season has been geared around the National, so a mix of hurdle and chase starts. Nicely weighted on his best form, has a touch of class and could out-run what are likely to be big odds.

26. Quai De Bourbon

7yo bay gelding by Ivanhowe

Weight: 10st 9lb

Trainer: Willie Mullins

Owner: Gigginstown House Stud

Jockey: Donagh Meyler

Form: B3-PP3

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Twelve months ago was out of luck at Cheltenham (unseated rider) and Aintree (brought down) in Grade One novice chases, but then ran a big race when third (beaten nearly 10 lengths) to Haiti Couleurs in the Irish National. Conceded 7lb to the winner on that occasion, but now receives 15lb so weighted to reverse the placings. The National defies the laws of racing and handicapping, but this horse is not ruled out completely.

27. Answer To Kayf

10yo bay gelding by Kayf Tara

Weight: 10st 8lb

Trainer: Terence O’Brien

Owner: Denis O’Connor

Jockey: John Shinnick

Form: 0-6144

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Comes from a relatively small yard in Cork, but ran a big race when fourth to Grangeclare West in February’s Bobbyjo Chase, a classic trial for Aintree. Now receiving 16lb from the winner and weighted to get very close if not beat him, assuming he handles quicker ground and the National fences. Has completed all his 17 races to date, and for some he could be the answer to Aintree’s annual April puzzle.

28. Jordans

7yo black gelding by Coastal Path

Weight: 10st 8lb

Trainer: Joseph O’Brien

Owner: Cheeky Pups Syndicate

Jockey: Ben Jones

Form: 2-85P0

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Is there nothing Kilkenny-based Joseph O’Brien can’t do? Dual Derby-winning and champion jockey before turning to training and saddling 1,000 winners in six seasons, he has landed big races worldwide, including two Melbourne Cups. Now the greatest test of his skills, the Grand National. His representative on Saturday not an obvious winner and stamina yet to be proved, but only seven and has bits of form which suggest he is not without hope.

29. Final Orders

10yo bay gelding by Camelot

Weight: 10st 5lb

Trainer: Gavin Cromwell

Owner: C M D Syndicate

Jockey: Conor Stone-Walsh

Form: P63151

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This horse has become a talented obstacle-course performer this season, running a fine race when third over Punchestown’s banks course in November and then gaining two wins from three runs around Cheltenham’s cross-country course. Showed his current wellbeing when convincing winner at last month’s Festival, has fallen just once in 51 jumps races and not short of stamina. His backers will be staying for final orders at the bar if he wins on Saturday.

30. Marble Sands

10yo grey gelding by Martaline

Weight: 10st 5lb

Trainers: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Owners: D & J Adams & G McPherson

Jockey: Kielan Woods

Form: 250-12

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Few horses have run on the Flat at Goodwood and tackled the Grand National in the same season. This horse is set to do that after finishing second in a novelty jump jockeys’ race at the Sussex course in October. He jumped round the National fences when unplaced in the Topham Chase, scored at Cheltenham in November and ran a fine race at Wetherby.

31. Panic Attack

10yo bay mare by Canford Cliffs

Weight: 10st 5lb

Trainer: Dan Skelton

Owner: Bryan Drew

Jockey: Harry Skelton

Form: 2-1113

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This could be the horse to button up Dan Skelton’s bid to land the trainer’s championship for the first time. While many mares of her age are several babies down and being lined up for their next stallion, she is proving a very progressive chaser with convincing November wins at Cheltenham and Newbury in prestigious races. Good third at last month’s Festival, light weight on her back, might give the bookies a panic attack.

32. Top Of The Bill

10yo bay gelding by Fame And Glory

Weight: 10st 5lb

Trainers: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Owner: Charles Walker

Jockey: Toby McCain-Mitchell

Form: P1-192

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Won the West Wales National at Ffos Las just over a year ago, and has progressed again this season, topping the bill in a handicap chase at Haydock in November and running a particularly good race at that track three months later. Comes from a yard that has sent out two National winners and the jockey has a fine Aintree heritage – his grandfather, Ginger McCain, trained the legendary Red Rum.

33. Johnnywho

9yo brown gelding by Califet

Weight: 10st 4lb

Trainers: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Owner: JP McManus

Jockey: Richie McLernon

Form: 5-5351

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Won a chase at Carlisle in October 2024, then over 18 months he put together a string of placed efforts – often meeting talented rivals – without winning. All that changed in grand style when, after an operation to improve his wind (breathing), he beat Jagwar no less at last month’s Cheltenham Festival. We will all know who Johnny is if winning the National, and it would cap a long and dedicated career for his 39-year-old jockey.

34. Twig

11yo bay gelding by Sulamani

Weight: 10st 4lb

Trainer: Ben Pauling

Owner: Georgia Morgan

Jockey: Beau Morgan

Form: 70-117

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This former point-to-pointer gave his young jockey – whose mother owns the horse – a memorable first Grand National ride last year when jumping round and finishing tenth. The experience did the partnership no harm, for they won a chase at Sandown in November and then landed Aintree’s Becher Chase over the National fences in December. The National is a notch above, and at the age of 11 it is hard to see Twig winning.

36. Imperial Saint

8yo bay gelding by Saint Des Saints

Weight: 10st 2lb

Trainers: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Owner: Richard Johnson Racing Imperial Saint

Jockey: Callum Pritchard

Form: 2-5618

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

If Imperial Saint runs he will carry the colours of a group of owners set up by former outstanding jump jockey and four-time champion Dicky Johnson. He bought the horse for £40,000 as a five-year-old and has been rewarded with six wins and five places. Smart victory at Haydock in January, has finished all his 19 races, but well behind Johnnywho at Cheltenham last month.

37. Amirite

10yo bay gelding by Sholokhov

Weight: 10st 2lb

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead

Owner: Patrick Hale

Jockey: TBC

Form: 4-P140P

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

A game win at Kilbeggan in July was followed by a sound effort when fourth in the famous Galway Plate, but Amirite was subsequently well behind in a cross-country race and then pulled up over hurdles last month. He was fourth in last year’s Topham Chase over the National fences and he performs well without winning, and I believe I’m right in concluding it might be the same if he gets a run on Saturday.

Grand National reserve runners

38. Ain’t That A Shame

12yo bay gelding by Jeremy

Weight: 10st 2lb

Trainer: Tom Ellis

Owner: Eventmasters Racing

Jockey: Jack Andrews

Form: 9P16/F

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Provided his then owner/rider David Maxwell with a memorable Grand National experience with sixth in the 2024 race won by I Am Maximus. When Maxwell retired and dispersed his horses at auction last year this one was bought for £40,000 and joined Tom Ellis. Just one run since when falling at Kelso’s final fence in February. Given his age and light preparation he seems up against it if getting a run.

39. Deep Cave

8yo bright bay gelding by Court Cave

Weight: 9st 13lb

Trainer: Christian Williams

Owner: Sue Howell

Jockey: TBC

Form: 1-1150

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

40. Buddy One

9yo bay gelding by Sans Frontieres

Weight: 9st 12lb

Trainer: Paul John Gilligan

Owner: E Lynch & T C Quinn & John J McGrath

Jockey: TBC

Form: -66P40

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Grand National withdrawals

2. Nick Rockett – withdrawn on Thursday 9 April due to a cough

9yo bay gelding by Walk In The Park

Weight: 11st 11lb

Trainer: Willie Mullins

Owners: Stewart & Sadie Andrew

Jockey: Tom Bellamy

Form: 4111-3

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The winner last year when enjoying a trouble-free lead-up to the race before scoring in some style. Had a few niggly issues this season and has therefore run just once, but it was a pleasing effort when third at Down Royal behind Gerri Colombe, who is also in Saturday’s line-up. Still only nine and probably at or near his peak, but back-to-back winners of this race are rare, and he carries 3lb more this time.

35. Pied Piper

8yo chestnut gelding by New Approach

Weight: 10st 3lb

Trainer: Gordon Elliott

Owners: Mrs M Roden & Mrs R Nolan

Jockey: TBC

Form: 2569FF

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Bred by The late Queen, this horse was a capable Flat racer who became a high-class novice hurdler and reached the places in three visits to the Cheltenham Festival. When, two years ago, his owners at that time had a clear-out sale he changed hands for €570,000 and soon won three novice chases, but it’s been lean pickings since, and falls in his two most recent races are worrying. Seems unlikely to call the tune.

7. Spillane’s Tower

8yo bay gelding by Walk In The Park

Weight: 11st 8lb

Trainer: Jimmy Mangan

Owner: JP McManus

Jockey: Simon Torrens

Form: 5-2931

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Trained by the youthful Jimmy Mangan, 70, who is based in Co Cork and who 23 years ago saddled Monty’s Pass to win the National under Barry Geraghty. In this horse he has another grand candidate who is the right age, has never fallen and showed his wellbeing with a Cheltenham victory in January (L’Homme Presse second). Soft ground would help Spillane Tower’s cause – was withdrawn from the Gold Cup due to drying ground.

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Grand National 2026 sweepstake kit to download and print for free

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:02:35 +0000

Get your friends, family or colleagues involved in the excitement weekend with our Grand National sweepstake kit.

The 2026 Randox Grand National will take place at Aintree Racecourse at 4pm this Saturday (11 April 2026), and running a sweepstake is a great way to get everyone involved in the build up.

Download Horse & Hound’s free Grand National Sweepstake kit (PDF)

How to use the Grand National sweepstake kit

1. Round up your participants. Ideally you want 34 people – so that you get one horse each – but it’s possible to make smaller numbers work if participants are willing to take more than one horse.

2. Decide how much it will cost to enter your sweepstake. If, for example, you charge each participants £2 per horse, your prize pot will be £68 in total, which you could then spilt as £40 to the winner, £15 to the person in second and £8 to the person in third, and £5 to the owner of the last horse to finish, which keeps more people involved right until the end. You can split it however you like, but make sure you agree how the winnings will be split before you invite people to take part to avoid any confusion later.

3. Print the PDF download. Cut out the runners and put numbers 1–34 into a hat for participants to randomly select from. Once they’ve picked, write their name at the top of the print out so that you can keep track of who has picked which horse.

4. If a horse withdraws after you’ve done your selections, you can swap them directly with their replacement from the reserves (numbers R35–40). You can check current runners and withdrawals on our list of Grand National runners, which also includes a form guide so your participants can learn more about their horse’s chances.

5. Make sure you’ve sold all your horses – if you have any left, see if anyone is keen to enter a second or third time. Do not offer them a discounted rate as this will affect your prize pot.

Enjoy and good luck – and make sure you’re watching the Grand National at 4pm on Saturday!

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Celebrating Tiger Roll, the little horse with the biggest heart who became a national treasure

Kate Johnson — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:30:00 +0000

Don’t be fooled by this “little rat of a thing” and his diminutive stature, says Kate Johnson of the dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll, for this larger-than-life character – who was bred for the Flat – never once fell and knew how to work a crowd

Tiger Roll was a box-office sort of horse. Fittingly, the 2022 Cheltenham Festival delivered more drama than the Oscars.

Rachael Blackmore was “absolutely lost for words” when she became the first woman to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup with a note-perfect ride on A Plus Tard and was greeted with rapturous applause. Jack Kennedy rode a fearsome race on Delta Work to win the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase on an almost waterlogged course and was met with thunderous boos.

The reason? He’d relegated beloved Tiger Roll and Davy Russell into second place and denied what would have been, in Irish trainer Gordon Elliott’s words, “the perfect ending”.

The owners, the O’Learys’ Gigginstown House Stud, had already announced Tiger would retire and live with Michael and his family as his “fifth child” after this race.

Davy was surprised by the crowd’s reaction and says, “I’ve never heard it before. I can understand where people were coming from, but it seemed to be in jest, it didn’t feel like there was any malice in it.”

Michael O’Leary with the Cheltenham 2022 Cross-Country Chase winner Delta Work and runner-up Tiger Roll – an unpopular result for Tiger’s swansong. (Image credit: Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

The emotion Tiger inspires is no surprise to Jerry O’Brien, the retired Coolmore vet who bred the now 16-year-old diminutive bay with the outsized whiter-than-white star and pony-ish thick forelock as a Flat horse.

He recalls with great tenderness his first sight of the foal: “He had an air of invincibility, a beautiful head, an air of whatever it is – confidence – he had that look, you see it in people too, whatever it is.”

All this and “a beautiful mover, a daisy cutter. He’d do anything for you, very placid, though if you took him on or tried to bully him, you wouldn’t win.”

Tiger – or Sausage – Roll

Tiger Roll’s career started unpromisingly at Godolphin in Newmarket where Jerry notes with no delight he was nicknamed “Sausage Roll” and says,“I think they didn’t understand him, he needed one-to-one treatment.”

Having bought Tiger at Tattersalls, Godolphin sold him, unraced, to National Hunt trainer Nigel Hawke. When he refused to go down to the gallops, instead of arguing with him, they showed him a fence and “he cleared it, and the rest is history”.

“They never taught him how to jump, he trained himself,” Jerry says with obvious pride.

His first race was over hurdles, rather than the traditional bumper Flat race, and he won. Nigel said at the time, “this horse can do anything”.

He changed hands and by the time he trounced his competition at the 2014 Cheltenham Festival Triumph Hurdle, he was owned by the O’Learys and trained by Gordon Elliott, who says of the race that put Tiger on the map: “He always showed a brilliant attitude. When he won, if he’d done nothing from then, we wouldn’t have been disappointed, but he never stopped pleasing us.”

The race wasn’t the rocket launch pad one might expect, though, and Tiger’s light wasn’t always burning bright. Plenty of people thought he’d lost his way.

At the next Festival, he only made 13th place in the World Hurdle, and his next win at the Festival wasn’t until the 2017 novices’ chase. In 2018, he took the Cross Country Chase, again in 2019 by 22 lengths, and by 18 lengths in 2021.

Cross-country races were Tiger’s speciality – as seen winning at Cheltenham in 2018. (Image credit: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

He’d found his race, though there were plenty of disappointing runs between these victories, including being pulled up in the 2020 Cross Country Chase and the Grade One chase at Aintree in 2021 when he finished 92 lengths behind the winner. Gordon never gave up on the horse he describes as “a bit of a character”.

“He was very straightforward, he liked getting on with things and getting his own way,” so Tiger went hunting, cross-country and to the beach, all to spark his interest.

The 2018 Grand National was one more attempt to relight the fire.

Davy Russell recalls: “I felt I was going to be finished very early, I didn’t think he had any chance,” explaining that Tiger’s an “economical jumper”.

“I’d have thought before I rode that he wouldn’t get round in an old National, but guaranteed he’d have won the Grand National no matter what the fences are. He’s just so shocking clever and wicked quick with his fences. I thought it would catch him out, but he knew what he was doing.”

Davy remembers landing over Becher’s Brook: “Tiger sidestepped a horse on the ground and came back to where he was. He was looking after me as much as anything else,” he says.

“The experience was unreal, heart in your mouth at times, he gets so low at his fences, you don’t know if he’ll lift his legs high enough. He has it to a fine art.”

Praise indeed from such an experienced and successful jockey, who gave Tiger a race that Jerry O’Brien describes as “poetry in motion”. He remembers Davy losing an iron between fences and “without losing any momentum or balance he gently got his foot back in. That’s horsemanship at its best.”

“Poetry in motion” – Davy Russell and Tiger Roll over the Grand National fences, en route to victory in 2018. (Image credit: Grossick Racing Photography)

How the Tiger ticks

Davy had found the key to Tiger. On the surface, it’s simply that “Tiger just loves jumping” but the jockey also understands the horse.

“He’s not that keen on being told what to do, you have to ask him to do it,” he explains. “He’ll give you everything, empty the tank, whatever he has he’ll give, as long as you don’t ask for too much too soon.”

It’s the same trait that Jerry first noticed in his foal.

Come the 2019 Grand National, the 4/1 favourite was so wound up, Davy needed a lead from another jockey to the start. This time, he recalls: “I felt he kept a little bit to himself the first year, he was a little bit idle which gave him the opportunity to come back and have another go.”

Together they pulled off a feat not seen since Red Rum in 1974. Gordon says: “Any horse can do it once, but to come back and do it the following year, carrying a lot more weight was very special.”

Tiger Roll flies past the winning post to win his second Grand National, in 2019. (Image credit: Grossick Racing Photography)

He was ruled out of the Grand National in 2022 and his – depending on whom you ask – much-fancied chance to equal Red Rum’s record of three wins, when his owner Micheal O’Leary vociferously disagreed with the handicappers’ assessment and withdrew him.

As Tiger’s career was winding down after five Cheltenham wins and two Grand Nationals, Mary Nugent, who looked after the star, says the staff drew lots before his races, “to give everyone a chance to lead him up”.

“You could work in racing for years and very rarely come across one like him,” she says. “To have any involvement at all is amazing.”

None of which would come as news to Tiger.

Gordon says: “He knows he’s the man, he’s a bit of a show-off.”

And Mary agrees: “He knows how good he is. He’s a really strong character, he knows his own name and when you call him, he comes to his door and expects treats all the time.”

When Gordon’s friends brought their children to the yard, staff would put them up for a spin.

“He’s as good as gold, then a jockey gets on and he tries to buck them off,” says Mary with obvious affection. “He is what he is, there’s not a bad bone in his body, he’s just a monkey.”

“He had an air of invincibility, a beautiful head, an air of whatever it is – confidence – he had that look,” says his breeder Jerry O’Brien. (Image credit: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

From underdog to national treasure

Why did the public take to him so strongly?

“I think it’s because he’s the underdog – having won at the Festival, he disappeared for a couple of years,” says Davy.

“He was small and unwanted at the start, though he was always well looked after, but he was bred for a different job than he ended up doing. And then to win not once but twice…

“People around the world have an interest in the Grand National, those associated with it end up being household names and for him to continue winning after, which is not the norm, adds to his reputation.”

Gordon agrees: “He’s not the biggest, but he’s got a big heart. It’s his style of racing, he never knows when he’s beaten, a few have said he’s gone and he keeps coming back.”

Surprisingly, when Gordon considers what this horse has done for the yard, it’s not the prestigious wins he cites, but something more intimate and emotional.

“The morale he brings around the place is unbelievable,” he says. “Everyone who comes into the yard – the postman, DHL, someone to see another horse – the first question is, ‘Where’s Tiger Roll?’

“He’s bigger than the yard, bigger than horse racing, all they want to see is Tiger, he stands out on his own.”

At home on the yard, Tiger Roll was a magnet for fans, from delivery drivers to visitor . (Image credit: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Michael O’Leary ungallantly once described Tiger as, “a little rat of a thing, not a good horse, not a class horse, just a complete overachiever”, which Jerry says merely had the effect of “putting everyone on Tiger’s side”.

And for the record, he’s not that small. He’s had more inches added to and subtracted from his height than Tom Cruise over the years, but he was measured at the yard for this article and… he’s 16hh. Or is he? Jerry maintains that he leant into him (he visited Tiger after his second Grand National win) and he’d put him at 15.3hh but “perhaps he was wearing shoes?”.

It’s clear that the only thing that all connections can agree on, is that Tiger Roll is without a doubt the horse of a lifetime.

Facts and figures

Tiger Roll was sired by the 2007 Derby winner Authorized and bred as a Flat horse
He was bought at Tattersalls by Godolphin, who later sold him, unraced to National Hunt Nigel Hawke for £10,000, where he won his debut as a three-year-old over hurdles before being sold for £80,000 to the Gigginstown House Stud and celebrating his fourth birthday by winning the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham on 14 March 2014
45 races
Nine-year career
13 wins
£1.4million prize-money
Never once fell
One of only three horses to win five times at the Cheltenham Festival

Alice Plunkett: ‘Not one person didn’t want him to win’

ITV Racing presenter Alice Plunkett recalls Tiger’s last race at the Cheltenham Festival on 16 March 2022, when he finished second in heavy going to his stablemate Delta Work.

“I went into the pre-parade ring to see him and everyone was appreciating the moment, knowing it was the last time we’d see him on a racecourse,” says Alice.

“I followed him to the parade ring, he was getting a round of applause everywhere he went. It was very emotional, to be there walking along next to him, eight years after the Triumph Hurdle, realising how small he is, how big a personality he has, how much the public loved him.

“When the commentators said, ‘Tiger’s taking the lead,’ the place went mad, everyone was screaming ‘Come on Tiger!’ Not one person didn’t want him to win.

“He got a reception like I’d hardly seen. We averaged 1.2 million viewers for Cheltenham and it peaked at 1.6 million for Tiger Roll.”

On parade in his local village after winning the 2019 Grand National. (Image credit: Sportsfile via Getty Images)

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Final farewell to five-time Grand National runner who had a ‘twinkle in his eye’

Lucy Elder — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 12:50:42 +0000

Aintree specialist Vieux Lion Rouge, who ran in five Grand Nationals, has died aged 17 owing to colic following a happy and active retirement.

The gelding, trained by David Pipe at Pond House for his entire career, is remembered as a “horse of a lifetime” by Caroline Tisdall, who owned him with John Gent. He retired from racing in January 2022, just after his 13th birthday, and spent his post-racing days following hounds and exploring the moors.

Mr Pipe paid tribute to Vieux Lion Rouge, remembering him as a “cheeky character who loved his carrots and he leaves us with some fond memories that we will cherish for ever”.

“He spent his recent retirement living with Toby and Callie Coles on the edge of Dartmoor from where he loved his ventures on to the moor and also his trips to various Devon sandy beaches and blackberry picking,” said Mr Pipe.

“Previous to that he had been on Exmoor and out regularly with the hounds and he really did love his active retirement. He was also back for spells at the yard quite regularly in the build-up to his days out at Aintree parading.

“When back here he and Julie Bellamy [who cared for him at Pond House] teamed up like they did in his racing days and they would go on hacks on Culmstock Beacon.

“He loved seeing his old friends and seemed to enjoy the buzz of being back in what was his home for well over a decade.”

Vieux Lion Rouge parading at Aintree in 2024. (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Vieux Lion Rouge ran in five Grand Nationals and six Becher Chases over the famous fences. He won 13 of his 41 career starts, including two Becher Chases and a Grand National Trial at Haydock. His best finish in Aintree’s showpiece was sixth in 2017.

“His favourite pastime has always been going to Aintree racecourse, both during his racing career and then in more recent times he loved his twice yearly outing to Liverpool,” said Mr Pipe, adding that you could “see the twinkle in his eye when he stepped out of the lorry at Aintree”.

Professor Tidsall added: “He has been amazing for us, the horse of a lifetime. He has given us so many memorable moments and the fact that he was able to remain sound and happy for 10 years of racing is testament not just to his toughness, but to the care and attention given to him by the trainer and the whole team at Pond House”.

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‘The family horse of a lifetime’: homebred star who made Aintree dreams come true retired sound and happy

Lucy Elder — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:14:37 +0000

Latenightpass, the family horse “in every sense” who made dreams come true, has retired sound and happy aged 13 following a final spin at the Cheltenham Festival.

The gelding, known at home as Bobby, was bred and owned by Pippa Ellis, trained by her son, Tom, and ridden predominantly by her daughter-in-law, record-breaking amateur jockey Gina Andrews.

His 2022 Aintree Foxhunters win was the crowning moment in his lengthy racing career. Two years later, he gave Gina her first spin in the Randox Grand National itself, cruising up among the leaders to the final fence and finishing 12th.

In total, he jumped 120 fences on the Grand National course during his six starts in various races at Aintree, ran at the Cheltenham Festival three times, and won 13 of his 38 races.

“The horse of a lifetime. Bob has run his final race and what a story he’s given us,” said Tom.

“A true family horse in every sense. A career defined by courage and consistency. 120 fences jumped on the Grand National course. A Randox Foxhunters’ Chase and a Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Chase [at Cheltenham]. Toughness personified.

“Thank you Bob, for the memories and all at Heath Barn who have been part of your story.”

After success pointing and hunter chasing, Latenightpass spent time with Dan Skelton in the 2023/24 season to run under Rules. His cross-country win at Cheltenham in December opened up the possibility of contending the Grand National that season, so champion point-to-point handler Tom then brought forward plans to take out a professional training licence to saddle the little horse in the world’s most famous race.

“If he were human, he would be very eccentric, quite hyperactive, very happy to be out and would want to say ‘hi’ to everyone. He is just a lovely person. My niece is six years old and she can lead him round the yard after he has schooled, he’s a legend,” said Tom at the time.

Latenightpass, pictured closest to the left (red and white silks), in the 2024 Randox Grand National. (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Gina rode him in 35 of his races, her sister Bridget won a hunter chase on him at Warwick and finished fourth in the 2021 Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham during Covid rules and their brother Jack also rode him in the Topham Chase at Aintree last year.

Gina said Latenightpass trained for eight consecutive seasons “without a single lame step”.

“He gave me the best day of my career winning the Aintree Foxhunters’. Made my dreams come true in the Grand National itself. Never failed to complete around Aintree or Cheltenham and only twice came home without me,” she said.

“No words will ever describe what this horse has done for me in my career. A truly special horse. He gave me moments I will cherish for ever. Retired most importantly safe and sound. Thank you Pippa Ellis for breeding him. Thank you my husband Tom for training him so perfectly. Most importantly thank you Bob.”

Latenightpass finished fifth in his final race, the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (11 March) at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.

From the archives: ’A dream come true’

An extract from H&H’s interview with Gina Andrews in summer 2022, following her Foxhunters’ win with Latenightpass…

“The highlight of this season has been the highlight of my entire career, and that was Latenightpass winning the Foxhunters’ at Aintree. That was a dream come true. I used to think I’d rather win at the Cheltenham Festival,” says Gina, who rode Domesday Book to victory in the 2017 Kim Muir.

“But Dad always said to me, ‘Riding a winner at Aintree is better than Cheltenham’. I always thought that’s because he hadn’t ridden a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, and I had.

“If I’d had a Cheltenham Festival win on Latenightpass or one of our own horses, maybe it would have been even more special, but I think the fact that my mother-in-law bred him and we’ve trained him at home, it was just such a family affair.”

Family is the golden thread that weaves through both the horses and humans’ lives at Heath Barn. Gina’s dad, Simon Andrews, won the 1988 Foxhunters’ on Newnham, and Latenightpass was the result of falling into breeding almost “by accident”.

His dam, Latenightdip, won three times with Tom in the saddle. In 2011, she sustained a career-ending injury, so the family decided to put her in foal to Passing Glance. The result was Bobby.

“He’s hilarious – he is very vocal and he likes to go out first. He shouts until he is ridden in the morning,” says Gina, adding that he has a particularly special relationship with Kim Hopley, who does everything with him.

“We keep saying, ‘When did he get so good?’ because he took ages to win a maiden. I think when you’ve bred them, you just sort of don’t let yourself believe that they are going to be as good as he is.”

Bobby was more a Harry Kane – famously released from Arsenal for lack of height and pace – than a youth academy star; and it took six attempts before he finally crossed the line in front.

“Once he started winning, he got his confidence up and he’s turned out to be such a good little horse. I say little, because he is – there isn’t a lot of him. I rode him out the morning of the Foxhunters’ and managed to get an interview on ITV with Luke Harvey, he nearly got me off in the process – he was absolutely wild. I had a good feeling from then on,” said Gina.

“I walked the course quietly with my best friend Charity, she came with me the first year I ever rode there. The race itself just all went to plan. I like to have a bit of daylight on him as he is only little, so you wouldn’t want to get bumped by anything bigger. As soon as we got to the Melling Road, I thought ‘I’m probably going to win now’. It was so surreal. You spend your whole career dreaming of winning a race like that. I don’t think it’s even sunk in now, really.

“An hour after the race I couldn’t even remember my interview with Alice Plunkett on TV. I had no idea what I’d said as there were just so many emotions.”

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‘I’ve watched it 1000 times; I just wish he’d win it once’ –Dick Francis’s son Felix on the collapse of Devon Loch in the 1956 Grand National

Pippa Roome — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 08:25:01 +0000

One can imagine that a huge win would be the defining moment of any sportsperson’s life… it’s an unfortunate athlete for whom a high-profile failure becomes that moment. But, according to his son, so it was for jockey Dick Francis, who was champion jockey in 1953-1954 before becoming the best-selling author of equestrian novels, such as Dead Cert, Whip Hand and Odds Against.

In an episode of The Slightly Foxed Podcast, Dick’s son Felix talks about the spectacular collapse of Dick’s ride Devon Loch when the Queen Mother’s horse looked nailed on to win the 1956 Grand National.

Felix says: “He was well in front with just 40 yards to go and the horse inexplicably collapsed with its front legs out in front and its back legs out behind.

Devon Loch collapses just 40yds from the line and lands on his belly. (Image credit: Alamy)

“I was three years old at the time and it’s a bit of a surprise to me that I ever made it to my fourth birthday, because, according to my mother, I would scamper across the sitting room floor, throw my hands out in front and legs out the back, and say, ‘I’m being Devon Loch, down I go, bump’ which is probably not the most tactful thing for a three-year-old.

“But in later life, my father admitted that he probably owed more to Devon Loch’s collapse than if the horse had won.”

The following January, Dick Francis had a bad fall, fracturing his wrist and rupturing his spleen. He had hoped to ride Devon Loch in the 1957 Grand National, but then the horse pulled a tendon and the jockey decided it was time to retire. He announced this live on television and was asked what he was going to do next.

“And Dad said, ‘Well, I’ve half written my autobiography. I’ll finish that and see what develops.’ And John Junor, who was editor of the Sunday Express in London, obviously heard this and he got in touch with my father and said, ‘Well, if you’ve half written your autobiography you must be able to put a few words together. Would you write half a dozen articles for my newspaper?’

“And that’s how it all started, because those half dozen articles went on for 16 years full employment. He never missed a deadline.”

A Hollywood producer would say, ‘It never happened’

Racing commentator Derek ‘Tommo’ Thompson joins Felix on the episode and says although he was only five-and-a-half years old at the time, he will never forget watching Dick Francis and Devon Loch in the race on television.

Derek says: “If you went to a Hollywood producer, said, ‘Hey, I’ve got this story about this horse who’s going to win the greatest race in the world, owned by the Queen Mother, and then it collapses 40 yards from the finish’, the producer would say, ‘Don’t be stupid. It never happened.’ It did. It actually did. And how must the Queen Mother have felt watching, cheering the horse, and the whole country cheering the horse home, a royal winner?”

Felix goes on: “I must have watched it 1,000 times. I just wish he’d win it once, you know? But the horse pricks his ears just before he comes towards the water jump and – because it was the royal horse, it was not that long after the war, it was certainly not that long after the Queen Mother had been widowed, she was the most popular person in the world, almost certainly in our country – as Derek says, everyone was cheering.

“And my father says that when the horse pricked his ears, that wall of noise hit the horse and just for a fraction of a second, it frightened him. That was enough and down he went.

Dick Francis and Devon Loch both walk away from the fall. (Image credit: Alamy)

“My father had to get off the horse. The horse had pulled all the muscles in his legs and my father was walking up towards the grandstand and he could see this mass of people running towards him for a post mortem. What the hell had happened?

“An ambulance came up the track and the driver wound down his window and he said, ‘Hop in the back, mate.’ And my father said he’d never been so pleased in his life to get in an ambulance.

“The ambulance took him round to the weighing room and then Peter Cazalet, who was the horse’s trainer, came in and said to my father, ‘Well, we’d better go and see the royal party. Dad thought he was going to get sent to the Tower. He went down and there was The Queen and the Queen Mother, my father and Peter Cazalet, just the four of them.

“And the Queen Mother said, ‘Well, what happened, Dick?’ And he said, ‘Well, I really don’t know. The horse didn’t jump, it wasn’t as if he jumped a shadow.’ There wasn’t any sunshine on that day. And the Queen Mother looked at him and said, ‘Well, Dick, that’s racing.’ And, my goodness, it was and it actually cemented a lifelong friendship between the Queen Mother and my father.”

On the podcast, Felix also talks about how his father Dick Francis and mother Mary worked together on the books, how he took over writing thrillers in his father’s style and delivering copies to the royal family.

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A bluffer’s guide to reading a racecard

Martha Terry — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:00:40 +0000

A day at the races is often a rare treat, perhaps once a year for a major festival or a local trip with friends to mark a special occasion. Chances are, you purchase a racecard, not only as a souvenir of the day, but to help you follow the action. The snag is that to the uninitiated, reading the information within the racecard can be like deciphering secret code.

Whether you’re off to the Cheltenham Festival or an evening on the all-weather, knowing how to read a racecard can give you wonderful intel into the race, the horses, their form – and ultimately help you make an informed decision where to put your £5 note.

Not all racecards are created equal, however there is a certain language that applies to all of them and, once you understand the code, you can work out how to read any racecard across the country.

With up to 20 different pieces of code providing each nugget of information, it’s understandable that many people never get any further than name, colours and starting price. But understanding what the additional letters, figures and numbers mean will add rich flavour to a day at the races.

How to read a racecard

A typical example of a racecard, from Royal Ascot. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Above is a generic example of a racecard, from Royal Ascot. For the purposes of this decoding exercise, below we have broken down the essential figures into the typical sections you’ll find on all racecards. They may be in slightly different arrangements, and there are of course variations according to whether the race is on the Flat or National Hunt.

This is a hypothetical example for the purpose of showing all the possibilities for both Flat or jumps horses – it could not be a real specimen as it shows elements exclusive to each code but should enable you to decipher any racecard.

Key for reading a racecard

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

a) Owner’s colours, shirt and hat silk worn by the jockey.

b) Draw (4) – this is the starting stall number and only applies to the Flat as the jumpers start with tapes with no drawn order.

c) Saddle cloth number (14). If there is an R as shown in this case, it means the horse is on standby to run in case of any non-runners. If NR is shown here, it means the horse is a non-runner. It is not the same as the draw number because it depends on the horse’s weight/rating in the handicap, while the draw is randomly assigned.

d) Colour and sex – this horse is a grey gelding.

For colours:

b=bay
bl=black
br=brown
ch=chestnut
gr=grey

For sex:

c=colt
f=filly
h=horse (an entire male horse that is five years old or over)
m=mare (female horse of five years old or over)

The number 1 after “g”, as shown here, indicates that this is the first time the horse is running since being gelded.

e) Horse’s name. If bred outside Britain, the country code is noted, for example IRE for Ireland, FR for France, USA.

f) Sire and dam – this is the horse’s pedigree, and sometimes the damsire (maternal grandfather) will be listed after the dam in brackets.

g) Number of days since the horse last ran in this type of race. In brackets is the number of days since it last ran under a different code. For example, if this was a hurdle race, this horse last ran over hurdles 155 days ago. However, it ran on the Flat (denoted by F) 24 days ago. PTP would indicate point-to-point.

h) Age of horse – six in this case.

i) Weight allocated for the horse to carry – 10 stone 11 pounds. If the jockey can claim an allowance or is riding overweight, this is not shown here (see notes on J and P).

j) Penalty – this applies to handicaps only, and is the extra weight in pounds that a horse has to carry on top of the allocated weight, according to any improved performances since the handicapper last made its rating. In this case, the horse has 3lb extra to carry, so 11st in total.

k) The horse’s form, most recent on the right.

All-weather or point-to-point will typically be in bold.
Hyphen – means new season.
Slash / means a longer break, so two seasons ago or more.

There are many letter abbreviations used, mostly applying to National Hunt:

B=brought down
F=fell,
P=pulled up
R=refused
S=slipped up
U=unseated rider
V=void

Numbers apply to placings, with 0 meaning unplaced.

So this horse’s form shows that he has had significant time off after a fall and an unseat, finished second on his comeback last season, and second on his only run so far this season.

l) Horse’s race history

BF=beaten favourite on last run
C=course winner
D=distance winner (to nearest half-furlong)
CD=course and distance winner
Hc=horse’s handicap debut.

m) Official rating. There may be one, two or three rating numbers here, which could be calculated by the Racing Post, the official handicapper, Timeform or the British Horseracing Authority. These might take into account the horse’s past race times within the standard time, adjusted for weight and going. These will vary according to the racecard, and is getting into the nitty-gritty for the serious punter.

n) Owner.

o) Trainer. Some racecards will print a number after the trainer’s name to indicate if the horse is having his first or second run for a new stables.

p) Jockey. If there are numbers after his name, this denotes a weight allowance for an inexperienced jockey – this jockey claims 5lb, which means the horse carries 5lb less than his allocated weight.

q) W1 shows that the horse has had one wind operation. This is obligatory for trainers to declare. Some racecards will label wind surgery as WS.

r) Odds at which the horse is expected to start. This is rarely available in printed programmes because the starting price changes all the time.

s) Betting history, showing whether the horse is shortening or drifting in the market.

t) Headgear abbreviations to indicate whether the horse has blinkers, a tongue-tie and so on. The number 1 denotes that this is the first time they have worn this headgear under this code. This horse is wearing first-time blinkers.

b=blinkers
e/s=eye shield
e/c=eye cover
h=hood
t=tongue-tie
p=sheepskin cheekpieces
v=visor

Crack the code and the racecard transforms from a baffling list of symbols into an essential guide to every horse’s story, form and chance in the race.

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Tiny rider facing fifth open heart surgery named honorary Grand National runner: ‘He lives life to the full’

Lucy Elder — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:58:09 +0000

A pony-loving little boy who has undergone four open-heart surgeries is the honorary 35th runner in the 2026 Randox Grand National.

Five-year-old Oliver Christie, who adores horses and loves riding, was born with congenital heart disease. His main condition is hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which means that side of his heart is severely underdeveloped, and he is due to have open-heart surgery again next month.

Aintree racecourse owners The Jockey Club has named an honorary runner each year since 2017 to highlight the work of nearby Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Oliver has a life-limiting heart condition and without the medical interventions from Alder Hey, Oliver would not be with us today,” said Oliver’s mother, Amelia Christie, who works at Aintree.

“He has had four open-heart surgeries including ECMO [extracorporeal membrane oxygenation – external life support] and is due his next surgery next month. He also has cerebral palsy from a stroke at birth, global development delay and is tube-fed to the stomach by a blended diet.”

She added: “We are under a large team at Alder Hey and everyone is so extremely kind and caring. We have spent Christmas in Alder Hey, and his first and second birthday were also spent there. Prior to his first birthday, we had been in hospital for three months, so a group of nurses decided to dress up as the Teletubbies to cheer Oliver up and celebrate his first birthday.

“We are very fortunate that Oliver enjoys visiting the hospital, because the team at Alder Hey do not make it feel like a hospital. With help from the play specialist, music therapy and the doctor and nurses, they make the whole family feel at ease.

“As we navigate this next chapter and Oliver’s fifth open-heart surgery, I know he is in the best care with Alder Hey. Despite Oliver’s medical conditions, he lives life to the full, recently started mainstream school and loves making friends.”

Mrs Christie added that Oliver “has a love for horses” and that he rides regularly with their local branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association.

“He has been riding since February 2023, even with his oxygen, and this has improved his core strength,” she said.

“He can now trot and thinks he is a cowboy, so of course he is very much looking forward to Randox Grand National day!”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Oliver and his family like to give back to Alder Hey. Every Christmas for the past four years, the family has supported the Alder Hey Christmas present appeal, so children there receive a gift on Christmas Day – just as Oliver did in 2021 and 2022.

Mrs Christie said the The Jockey Club has “always been so supportive towards all of Oliver’s family” and for him to be named as the 35th runner “feels like the ultimate honour”.

Jockey Patrick Mullins, who won last year’s race on Nick Rockett, trained by his father Willie, added: “I think Aintree’s relationship with Alder Hey is one of the most important aspects of the race. A number of jockeys visit the children at the hospital the day before the Grand National and it is nothing short of inspirational – the staff there are incredible.

“Oliver was the star of the show at the Grand National weights lunch last week and I’m looking forward to seeing him at Aintree as the 35th runner in April.”

Dickon White, The Jockey Club’s northwest regional director who runs Aintree racecourse, said that the organisation is “incredibly proud” to support Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and champion the work it does, and to announced Oliver as this year’s 35th runner.

“We’re especially pleased to be able to mark our 25th anniversary of working with Alder Hey by recognising a member of our own team here at Aintree,” he said.

“Amelia is one of many staff members and relatives at the racecourse who have received tremendous support during the time of our partnership so this is an opportunity to celebrate the close link between our two organisations and show our gratitude.”

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‘This year’s race really stands out in terms of quality’: Grand National weights revealed

Lucy Elder — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:32:44 +0000

Former Randox Grand National winner I Am Maximus heads the weights for the 2026 edition of the Aintree showpiece – ahead of last year’s victor Nick Rockett.

I Am Maximus, who carried the top weight in 2025 (11st 12lb) when he finished second, has been allocated the same for this year’s race. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding carried 11st 6lb when he won in 2024.

His stablemate, defending champion Nick Rockett, will carry 11st 11lb in the 2026 Grand National. He carried 11st 8lb to victory last year.

The Grand National is a handicap race, so the weight each horse will carry is allocated according to ability and form. The aim is to give each contender an equal chance.

The Grand National weights were revealed at St George’s Hall in Liverpool yesterday (18 February), at which time a total of 76 entries remained in the race.

The top 34 will start – at the moment, Jagwar is the last horse before the cut-off, provided he can secure his qualification. But it is highly likely that withdrawals over the coming weeks will mean horses rated below him will get the chance to run.

“This year’s race really stands out in terms of quality. Although entries are slightly down overall, it’s at the bottom end where trainers are now realising there is no point in entering as they have no chance of getting in,” said handicapper Martin Greenwood.

Patrick Mullins, the 2025 winning jockey and also assistant trainer to his father, Willie, said that the reality of winning the Grand National is “better than the dream”.

“Since I was a kid reading books about it and watching black and white videos of the National, it’s always been my dream and it was better than I could have dreamed of,” said Patrick, at the Grand National weights launch.

It doesn’t get any better than that, unless you can win it a second time maybe!

“Without a doubt I’d love to ride Nick Rockett again. We’ve got a good team of jockeys and I don’t think there will be any shortage of volunteers to ride our horses!”

Iroko, who was sent off favourite in 2025, heads the betting markets for this year’s race. JP McManus’s eight-year-old was a first Grand National runner for trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero 12 months ago, and finished fourth. He has been allocated 11st 1lb this year, up from the 10st 11lb he carried in 2025.

“It was a very good run [last year]. He looked a bit lost going round. He looked like a horse with not quite enough experience, which is what we were a little bit worried about. Jonjo [O’Neill Jnr, jockey] said it was a year or two too soon – that was the first thing he said when he came in,” said Mr Greenall.

“But it was a great run and he stayed on brilliantly. The ground was against us. He’s not very quick and he needs a bit of cut in the ground to slow it all down, so I think if that all comes together this year, softer ground, more experience, stronger, he’s had his wind op – there’s a lot of reasons why he could run better. With a race like that experience is everything, isn’t it?

“He’s got the right profile, he still looks like he’s improving, he hopefully has some workable movement in his mark.”

Randox Grand National weights 2026

Name/age/weight/rating/owner/trainer

1 I Am Maximus, 10, 11st 12lb, 168, JP McManus, Willie Mullins

2 Banbridge, 10, 11st 11lb, 167, Ronnie Bartlett, Joseph Patrick O’Brien

3 Nick Rockett, 9, 11st 11lb, 167, Stewart and Sadie Andrew, Willie Mullins

4 Gerri Colombe, 10, 11st 10lb, 166, Robcour, Gordon Elliott

5 Grangeclare West, 10 11 10 166, Cheveley Park Stud, Willie Mullins

6 Grey Dawning, 9, 11st 10lb, 166, Robert Kirkland, Dan Skelton

7 Haiti Couleurs, 9, 11st 10lb, 166, Conyers, McDermott and Prowting, Rebecca Curtis

8 L’homme Presse, 11, 11st 8lb, 164, Dfa Racing (Pink, Edwards and Sharman), Venetia Williams

9 Spillane’s Tower, 8, 11st 8lb, 164, JP McManus, James Joseph Mangan

10 Impaire Et Passe, 8, 11st 5lb, 161, Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, Willie Mullins

11 Appreciate It, 12, 11st 4lb, 160, Miss M A Masterson, Willie Mullins

12 Firefox, 8, 11st 4lb, 160, Bective Stud, Gordon Elliott

13 Gentlemansgame, 10, 11st 3lb, 159, Robcour, Mouse Morris

14 Monty’s Star, 9, 11st 3lb, 159, Barry Maloney, Henry de Bromhead

15 Spanish Harlem, 8, 11st 3lb, 159, Dr S P Fitzgerald, Willie Mullins

16 Lecky Watson, 8, 11st 2lb, 158, Slaneyville Syndicate, Willie Mullins

17 Champ Kiely, 10, 11st 1lb, 157, Miss M A Masterson, Willie Mullins

18 Favori de Champdou, 11, 11st 1lb, 157, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott

19 Flooring Porter, 11, 11st 1lb, 157, Flooring Porter Syndicate, Gavin Cromwell

20 Iroko, 8, 11st 1lb, 157, JP McManus, Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero

21 Western Fold, 7, 11st 1lb, 157, Weld-Spec (Glasgow) Ltd and Dee L’Estrange, Gordon Elliott

22 Three Card Brag, 9, 11st 0lb, 156, McNeill family, Patrick and Scott Bryceland, Gordon Elliott

23 Handstands, 7, 10st 13lb, 155, Mr T P Radford, Ben Pauling

24 Oscars Brother, 8, 10st 13lb, 155, JP McManus, Connor King

25 Mr Vango, 10, 10st 12lb, 154, Cracker and Smodge Partnership, Sara Bradstock

26 Beauport, 10, 10st 11lb, 153, Bryan & Philippa Burrough, Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies

27 Better Days Ahead, 8, 10st 11lb, 153, Bective Stud, Gordon Elliott

28 High Class Hero, 9, 10st 11lb, 153, Sullivan Group Ltd, P Crowley and N Hughes, Willie Mullins

29 Ile Atlantique, 8, 10st 11lb, 153, Tony Bloom, Willie Mullins

30 Resplendent Grey, 8, 10st 11lb, 153, Mrs R J Skan, Olly Murphy

31 Stellar Story, 9, 10st 11lb, 153, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott

32 Captain Cody, 8, 10st 10lb, 152, V Caldwell, A Shamoon and Mrs A Shamoon Ibgi, Willie Mullins

33 French Dynamite, 11, 10st 10lb, 152, Shane Carmody, Eric McNamara

34 Jagwar, 7, 10st 10lb, 152, JP McManus, Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero

Remaining entries

35 Gorgeous Tom, 8, 10st 9lb, 151, Envirogreen Housing Services Ltd, Henry de Bromhead

36 Perceval Legallois, 9, 10st 9lb, 151 JP McManus, Gavin Cromwell

37 Quai de Bourbon, 7, 10st 9lb, 151, Gigginstown House Stud, Willie Mullins

38 The Real Whacker, 10, 10st 9lb, 151, Neville, Mann, Duffus and Dennis-Price, Patrick Neville

39 Answer To Kayf, 10, 10st 8lb, 150, Mr Denis A O’Connor, Terence O’Brien

40 Croke Park, 8, 10st 8lb, 150, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott

41 Jordans, 7, 10st 8lb, 150, Cheeky Pups Syndicate, Joseph Patrick O’Brien

42 Blizzard of Oz (IRE) 8 10 7 149 Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, Willie Mullins

43 Now Is The Hour, 9, 10st 7lb, 149, BDS Syndicate, Gavin Cromwell

44 Intense Raffles, 8, 10st 6lb, 148, Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, T Gibney

45 Final Orders, 10, 10st 5lb, 147, CMD Syndicate, Gavin Cromwell

46 Marble Sands, 10, 10st 5lb, 147, DL Adams, JA Adams and G McPherson, David Killahena and Graeme McPherson

47 Panic Attack, 10, 10st 5lb, 147, Bryan Drew, Dan Skelton

48 Top Of The Bill, 10, 10st 5lb, 147, Charlie Walker, Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies

49 Blaze The Way, 8, 10st 4lb, 146, M Willis, P Willis, B Groarke and T Groarke, Margaret Mullins

50 Johnnywho, 9, 10st 4lb, 146, JP McManus, Jonjo and AJ O’Neill

51 Leave of Absence, 9, 10st 4lb, 146, Richard and Carol Cheshire, Anthony Honeyball

52 Twig, 11, 10st 4lb, 146, Mrs G Morgan, Ben Pauling

53 Pied Piper, 8, 10st 3lb, 145, Mrs M Roden and Mrs R Nolan, Gordon Elliott

54 Search For Glory, 9, 10st 3lb, 145, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott

55 Stolen Silver, 11, 10st 3lb, 145, Georgina Nicholls, Georgina Nicholls

56 Ain’t That A Shame, 12, 10st 2lb, 144, Eventmasters Racing, Tom Ellis

57 Amirite, 10, 10st 2lb, 144, Patrick Hale, Henry de Bromhead

58 Imperial Saint, 8, 10st 2lb, 144, Richard Johnson Racing Imperial Saint, Philip Hobbs and Johnson White

59 Harry des Ongrais, 9, 10st 1lb, 143, K Haughey, Laura Haughey, Kieran T Byrne, Henry de Bromhead

60 Hyland, 9, 10st 1lb, 143, The Ten From Seven, Nicky Henderson

61 Soul Icon, 9, 10st 1lb, 143, Pugs and Mayhem, Keiran Burke

62 Yeah Man, 9, 10st 1lb, 143, Mr JJ Brennan, Gavin Cromwell

63 Myretown, 9, 10st, 0lb, 142, Wymer and Russell, Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore

64 Deep Cave, 8, 9st 13lb, 141, Sue Howell, Christian Williams

65 Monbeg Genius, 10, 9st 13lb, 141, Martin Tedham and Wasdell Properties Ltd, Jonjo and AJ O’Neill

66 O’Moore Park, 9, 9st 13lb, 141, Mrs S Ricci, Willie Mullins

67 Pic Roc, 8, 9st 13lb, 141, Emma Kendall, Ben Pauling

68 Buddy One, 9, 9st 12lb, 140, E Lynch/TC Quinn/John J McGrath, Paul John Gilligan

69 Mister Coffey, 11, 9st 12lb, 140, Lady Bamford and Alice Bamford, Nicky Henderson

70 Anyway, 8, 9st 11lb, 139, K Haughey/Kieran T Byrne David, Kenneth Budds

71 The Short Go, 9 9st 10lb, 138, Mr N Byrne, Henry de Bromhead

72 Shanbally Kid, 9, 9st 9lb, 137, Gigginstown House Stud, Willie Mullins

73 Weveallbeencaught, 9, 9st 9lb, 137, Tadhg Moynihan, Eric McNamara

74 Will Do, 9, 9st 9lb, 137, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott

75 In d’Or, 8, 9st 7lb, 135, Mrs J May, Fergal O’Brien

76 Deafening Silence, 9, 9st 6lb, 134, My Racing Manager Friends, Dan Skelton

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What to wear to the races –all occasions covered

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:05:54 +0000

If you’re wondering what to wear to the races, this guide will help you work out what’s a good option and what to avoid, depending on what type of race meeting you’re attending.

In 2023, The Jockey Club announced that formal dress codes will no longer be in place at any of its 15 racecourses in order to make racing more accessible and inclusive, but many racegoers will still choose to dress up for a day at the races, especially if they’re heading to one of the big meetings. Not every outing requires you to dress up as if you’re heading to Royal Ascot, but there are still several things to consider when deciding what to wear to the races.

That said, some racecourses (as not all are owned by The Jockey Club) do employ dress codes, especially for prestigious racedays. The dress codes usually vary between enclosures and will also differ for men and women. For example, men may be required to wear a particular type of jacket, such as a morning coat, while women may need to wear a hat or fascinator. If you’re struggling with what to wear to the races, we always recommend checking whether there are rules for the meeting and enclosure at the racecourse you plan to attend.

It’s currently National Hunt season, which means dressing for the weather as well as for style. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

What to wear to the races: the considerations

As there is quite a difference in what to wear to the races depending on the fixture, there are a few things you need to consider before you start thinking about individual items of clothing. It’s currently National Hunt racing season (until the end of April) and this calls for stylish yet practical attire, focusing on warmth, comfort and, often, country chic.

Weather

Much of the excitement at a fixture is outside, whether it’s heading down to the parade ring to check out the runners, placing a bet at the bookmakers in front of the grandstand or standing at the rail to watch your horse come in, so it’s important you’re dressed for the weather.

Some seating areas are covered, but not all, so be sure to check your ticket.

Time of year

All-weather racecourses mean that racing can go on year round, but traditionally the Flat racing season runs from the Newmarket 2000 Guineas meeting at the start of May until Champions Day at Ascot in mid-October, while the bigger meetings in the National Hunt season run from the end of October to the end of April.

Enclosure

Generally, the more expensive an enclosure is to access, the smarter people tend to dress. Some enclosures will have dress codes you’ll need to adhere to, but these vary so it’s best to check on the racecourse’s website.

Time of day

Most meetings are held in the daytime, but some racecourses, such as Windsor, are known for their evening meetings, while many all-weather tracks also hold evening meetings under lights throughout the winter. Some jumps meetings also take place in the evening during the summer months. If you’re heading to an evening meeting, it’s definitely worth taking a jacket or something to cover your shoulders.

For specific areas of advice or inspiration, jump to:

Men’s footwear
Men’s legwear
Men’s shirts and jackets
Men’s accessories
Women’s footwear
Women’s dresses
Women’s legwear
Women’s tops and jackets
Women’s accessories

What men should wear to the races

Although not compulsory in all enclosures or at all racecourses, men usually dress smart.

Dressing for the weather is important during the jumps season. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

At jumps meetings, men tend to adopt a “dress for the weather” approach as most of the big meetings take place during the winter months. Many traditionalists wear tweed, but this is personal preference. If you’re a corporate guest at a big meeting, such as the Cheltenham Festival, a suit is more appropriate.

During the Flat season, men usually dress smart. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

For Flat racing, men usually wear a collared shirt with trousers and smart shoes. Some choose to finish the look with a tie and blazer, but again this is personal preference and not essential – and to some extent determined by the weather.

Men’s footwear

First thing’s first – you can expect to be on your feet all day at the races. Consequently, the footwear you select needs to be comfortable and suitable for day-long wear. If you’re keen to buy a new pair of shoes for the races, ensure your first wear of them does not coincide with raceday. To ensure the shoes have suppled up and moulded to your feet, wear them in a good few times around the house or in the office.

Next, consider the style of shoe you want to wear. As as general rule, trainers are largely regarded as a no-go for the races – however, they are often welcome at more low-key racedays or weekday meetings. Oxfords or brogues pair well with a suit, and you may want to opt for a boot, such as a Chelsea, for the depths of winter. In summertime, loafers can help keep you cool and comfy.

You should also ensure the colour you opt for compliments the colour and material of your attire. As a rule, black suits should be paired with black shoes, while navy suits may go more pleasantly with a brown or burgundy shoe. Light or grey suits can be successfully paired with a warmer colour, such as shades of brown, navy or oxblood. That said, black shoes are a classic and usually pair well with most suits.

Finally, be sure your shoes are in good order before you go. In essence, make certain they are clean and polished and the laces are in a good state of repair. It would be a shame to detract from an otherwise chic look with shabby shoes.

Men’s legwear

A formal, tailored trouser in a slim or regular fit looks smart and is comfortable – but think about your material. A wool, tweed or a heavier cotton twill are good choices for cooler weather, while a linen or linen/cotton blend will help you beat the heat at a summertime fixture.

A chino is also a great move for raceday – but be wary of shorts. Some events where dress codes are in place do not permit them. Even so, the general consensus is a preference for longer trousers, so at the end of the day it’s about your comfort. If it’s baking hot and you want to rock a short, in most cases you’ll be at liberty to.

Smart jeans are out for the more prestigious racedays and the fanciest enclosures, though smart casual racing outfits featuring denim are very popular on weekday meetings.

Men’s shirts and jackets

Shirts with a collar are the obvious choice and it’s your choice to opt for a dress shirt if you wish – cufflinks are a fun accessory. Most men opt for a classic Oxford shirt, however.

If you’re not going to a full tailored suit, a suitable blazer or jacket will be what to wear to the races. Fabric will be a major player as with trousers, and it’s advisable to avoid a high polyester content if you can. Jackets with a high concentration of polyester are not especially breathable and could cause you to overheat.

Some men like to opt for a three-piece suit, which has the addition of a waistcoat. These are smart and add a little personality to an outfit (especially if they have a fun lining). What’s more, they give you an layering option in changeable weather. On the coldest racedays (or nights), you might add an overcoat to you look.

Men’s accessories

A smart belt is great, if it matches your shoes then even better. A wristwatch is another nice touch, especially if the strap also ties in to your belt and shoe colour.

Most men pair their collared shirt with a tie and you could even go the extra mile and choose a matching pocket square (like this one).

A pair of smart gloves are just the ticket on chilly winter racedays.

What ladies should wear to the races

Although ladies do tend to dress up for the races, you do not need to go to the lengths you would for Royal Ascot for other race meetings.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

As with the gentlemen, it is a case of wearing weather-appropriate clothing in the winter for National Hunt racing. We wouldn’t advise heels as the conditions are likely to be wet and you’re likely to spend much of the day on your feet.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Many ladies attending Flat racing meetings in the summer use it as a chance to get dressed up, although this is not always compulsory. Some of the more prestigious meetings, such as Royal Ascot, and the increasing number of ladies’ days put the spotlight on fashion. Some meetings also offer competitions for the best-dressed racegoers to enter.

Women’s footwear

It’s a caution that’s worth repeating – at the races about 90% of your time is spent on your feet, so it’s a very good idea to ensure you’re shod primarily for comfort. That said, there’s no need to sacrifice on style and there are so many chic options at your fingertips. Even so, if you’re buying new, give them a few wears before you step out on raceday.

Strappy sandals and open-toed stilettos are tempting for aesthetic purposes – but a few words of caution. Firstly, racedays can draw huge crowds and you wouldn’t want your toes getting trampled on. Secondly, there’s a high chance you’ll be walking across grass at some point and risk sinking into the turf. Finally, the grace period for which most people can tolerate such shoes is usually very short. Strappy, thin-heeled shoes are likely suspects in causing tired, aching and blistered feet. So, what to wear to the races?

Chunkier, close-toed shoes are a great choice and heeled pumps or court shoes are elegant yet practical. Block heels are especially comfortable. If you aren’t keen on fully enclosing your foot, a slingback pump is a good shout and makes for a summery look. Or, why not go for some smart flats? Loafers, Mary Janes or mules would be ideal choices.

Heels are seen much less in the winter and many ladies opt for a pair of stylish boots instead. Ankle and Chelsea boots are popular options, or invest in a pair of knee-highs that will serve you well through the colder months.

As with the men, trainers are not traditionally worn, but are becoming more popular as dress codes become more and more relaxed.

Women’s dresses and jumpsuits

When we think of the ultimate raceday look, a dress is often the thing that springs to mind. Dress code pointers that apply to dresses usually relate to straps, sheer fabric and skirt length, so double check before you attend.

Sky’s the limit in terms of style, cut and fabric – the most important consideration is your comfort and wearing something you feel good about. One thing to bear in mind is that synthetic fabrics do not have the breathable properties of natural ones, and can be more liable to pilling. Cotton jersey dresses are on the casual end of the scale, linen and cotton poplin somewhere in the middle and wool, silk, satin and velvet numbers offer the most polished look.

Another all-in-one option that shouldn’t be overlooked is the jumpsuit – a super garment for overcast days when you don’t need a jacket, but a summer dress would leave you chilly. Alternatively, you might opt for a jumpsuit if you’re a habitual trouser wearer and fancy a compromise. The styles vary from super slim-fitting, to a tailored bodice and wide-leg pant, or even a relaxed all-over fit.

Women’s legwear

If you’re more of a trouser person, your options are far ranging. Whether you’re after a high-waisted nautical vibe, a statement culotte or a wide-leg linen, you can build an outfit as casual or chic as you like.

On wintery days a wool or tweed trouser with a boot will keep the cold at bay. Dark colours disguise any mud and opting for a smooth grain leather will be easier to clean.

Jeans can be on the agenda dress code permitting – we can recommend bootcut, wide leg or flared styles to give your look an upmarket feel, while skinny jeans fit nicely under knee-high boots in winter.

Women’s tops and jackets

Double check for any rules on straps and sheer fabrics, but other than that sky’s the limit on the top you choose. If you’re struggling to pair a top and trousers it can sometimes help to go for opposite fit styles for each garment. For example, pair a loose, wide-leg trouser with a more fitted top.

Similarly, you can use your top to dress down a more elegant trouser to give off a smart-casual vibe. A nicely-fitted, well-made white cotton jersey t-shirt would pair wonderfully tucked in to a high-waisted statement trouser.

When dressing for colder weather, you have the opportunity to elevate your look with whatever you choose to layer up with. Long wool or tweed overcoats, capes or ponchos – especially those with a faux fur trim – keep you cosy while looking looking glam.

Women’s accessories

We need to talk headwear. Again, you’ll need to check the dress code for the meet you plan to attend to know if you need one, but in the majority of cases preference will be the decider.

There are two obvious options when it comes to raceday headwear: a hat or a fascinator. What you choose will come down to budget, style and personal preference. The main difference between the two is that fascinators affix to the head using a headband or clip, ideal for fine, silky hair, or a comb, best suited to thicker hair. Traditionally, fascinators are worn on the right side of the head.

Hats and fascinators can be as subtle or as bold as you like, so consider how best your headwear can complement your outfit. If your look is thus far muted, opt for a more striking colour or style. On the other hand, you’re already sporting eye-catching attire, opt for a more subtle hat or fascinator so as not to detract from your outfit.

If you need a winter style, a fedora, trilby, pill box or cossack-style hats are smart and chic. Look for felt-type or velvet options for a wintery feel.

What to wear to the races at Cheltenham

Known as the home of jump racing, Cheltenham holds a number of racedays and meetings throughout the year, the biggest of which is the Cheltenham Festival. If you’re heading to Cheltenham, we’ve put together a specific guide on what to wear to Cheltenham races. You can also find Cheltenham edits by brands including Fairfax & Favor or Really Wild.

What to wear to the races at Royal Ascot

The dress code and expectations at Royal Ascot are different to almost all other race meetings in the UK. There is a strict Royal Ascot dress code and in some Ascot enclosures you’ll be required to wear an appropriate hat or fascinator. We’ve picked out a selection of suitable hats for Royal Ascot and dresses for Royal Ascot to help give you some inspiration and guidance on what’s accepted.

Things to take to the races

Depending on the time of year and type of meet you’re heading to, there are a few things you shouldn’t be without:

A large umbrella, like this one available at Amazon
A pair of binoculars – we’ve rounded up the best binoculars for horseracing
Picnic basket, like this one, if you’re heading to a summer meeting

How to save money on raceday outfits

Without doubt, picking up a new look for a trip to the races can be a pricey affair. Given that there’s the cost of travel and the price of entry, investing in a new look on top might feel like a stretch. With this is mind, can you be smart about your spending? Here’s how…

Think multi-purpose – could the boots you’d like to top off your winter raceday look work in your regular wardrobe rotation? On the other hand, maybe the hat you want for Ascot would go perfectly with your wedding guest outfit later in the year? There’s nothing worse than buying something beautiful and wearing it once. Instead, think about what to wear at races in terms of your closet as a whole.

Hit the charity shops – it’s an age-old tip but truly, you never know what hidden gems lie in these treasure troves of preloved articles.

Rent your look – wear something flashy for the fraction of the cost with designer clothing rental services like By Rotation. You can rent garments and accessories to upscale your look and when you’re done, simply return them. No wasted money or wardrobe space – and it’s a greener way to style yourself, too.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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How to get to Aintree Racecourse – all travel options considered

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:59:08 +0000

If you’re planning a trip to Aintree Racecourse, here’s complete guide on how to get there so that you can make your journey as stress-free as possible.

Where is Aintree?

Aintree Racecourse is situated in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, Merseyside, bordering the city of Liverpool. The best postcode for sat navs is L9 5AS.

How to get to Aintree Racecourse by train

The best, and easiest, way to reach the racecourse is normally by train to Aintree Station, which is directly opposite the racecourse – less than a five-minute walk.

Merseyrail trains run between Liverpool Central and Aintree Station every 15 minutes on standard racedays. There are more frequent services (every 7.5 mins) running for the Grand National Festival between 11:00–13:00 (before the races) and 16:30–20:30 (after the races).

Aintree station is opposite the racecourse. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

How to get to Aintree Racecourse by car

If you’re attending for the races, follow the instructions below and you’ll pick up the signs for the races. If you’re attending for a conference or an event, the main entrance to the racecourse via Grand National Avenue is just off Ormskirk Road (A59) – use L9 5AS for sat navs.

From the south, leave the M6 at Junction 21A and join M62 west. Leave M62 at J6 to join M57 — follow signs for races.

From the north, leave M6 at J26 and join M58 — follow signs for races.

From the Mersey Tunnels, follow signs for Preston, then for A59 and then signs for races.

Where to park

There is free car parking available at Aintree on non-Grand National meetings – follow the signs for the spectator parking at West Tip.

Car parking is limited for the Grand National Festival and must be purchased in advance at thejockeyclub.co.uk – you may have already added this on when purchasing Grand National tickets.

How to get to Aintree Racecourse by bus

The racecourse can be reached by bus on services 300, 310 and 345 — both to and from Queen’s Square Bus Station in Liverpool.

How to get to Aintree Racecourse by coach

National Express are providing coach travel directly to the racecourse on Grand National day (Saturday 11 April, 2026) from the following locations:

Birmingham
Blackpool
Bradford
Chesterfield
Dudley
Leeds
Manchester
Nottingham
Preston
Sheffield
Stoke-on-Trent

For more information, visit nationalexpress.com

How to get to Aintree Racecourse by air

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is the nearest airport to the racecourse and is a 20 minute drive away.

Manchester Airport is approximately a 45 minute drive.

When to arrive at Aintree Racecourse

While you may be eager to avoid traffic, you will not be able to access the racecourse until the gates open, which is usually a couple of hours before the first race. Check Aintree’s official website for details specific to your race meeting.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Heading to Aintree? Find hotels, B&Bs and holiday lets near the racecourse

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:54:49 +0000

We’ve put together a list of hotels near Aintree Racecourse, including nearby guesthouses and B&Bs at a range of price points to help you make the most of your visit – and make it easier to get to Aintree on the day.

Aintree Racecourse hosts a number of racedays and meetings throughout the year and is home to the world-famous Grand National. If you’ve not got your Grand National tickets yet, you can get them at thejockeyclub.co.uk

Accommodation is likely to fill up quickly with racing fans travelling from across the country, so we suggest booking as soon as possible once you’ve found somewhere. These hotels near Aintree Racecourse are listed in order of distance from the venue (L9 5AS).

Accomodation near Aintree Racecourse by type

Hotels near Aintree Racecourse
Guest houses, inns and B&Bs near Aintree Racecourse
Holiday lets and apartments near Aintree Racecourse

Hotels near Aintree Racecourse

Stables Inn
Distance to Aintree: <1mile | Tripadvisor: 4.1/5
Next door to the racecourse, this accommodation is about as close as you can get.View Deal

The Park Hotel
Distance: 1.3 miles | Tripadvisor: 3.6/5
This conveniently located hotel has a restaurant and bar on site.View Deal

Orrell Park Hotel
Distance: 1.7 miles | Tripadvisor: 4.7/5
This highly rated budget option might be all you need for a trip to the races.View Deal

Premier Inn Liverpool North
Distance: 2 miles | Tripadvisor: 4.2/5
This highly rated hotel has good transport links to the city centre for after the racing.View Deal

Travelodge Liverpool Stonedale Park
Distance: 3.3 miles | Tripadvisor: 4.2/5
This Travelodge is the closest to Aintree Racecourse.View Deal

The Royal Hotel
Distance: 4.7 miles | Tripadvisor: 4.5/5
This hotel overlooks the Mersey estuary and is just a five-minute walk from the station.View Deal

Travelodge Liverpool Stoneycroft
Distance: 4.8 miles | Tripadvisor: 4.2/5
This highly rated Travelodge usually has a slightly cheaper rate.View Deal

Guesthouses, inns and B&Bs near Aintree Racecourse

Victorian Renovation B&B
Distance: 2.7 miles
Choose from a range of rooms in this renovated three-story Victorian property with six en suite king rooms, one super-king and one twins.View Deal

Breeze Guest House
Distance: 2.9 miles | Tripadvisor: 4.8/5
This highly rated guesthouse offers breakfast and is close to plenty of dinner options, too.View Deal

The Jubilee Inn
Distance: 3 miles
Situated above a small pub, this establishment offers guests rooms with shared bathrooms.View Deal

Home at Arkles Lane
Distance: 4.1 miles
This B&B has seven en suite bedrooms, a shared lounge, kitchen and garden area, and serves breakfast in the bedroom.View Deal

Home At Tancred Road
Distance: 4.5 miles
This guesthouse sleeps 11 and can be booked as a whole or by room.View Deal

Holiday lets and apartments near Aintree Racecourse

The Bungaloaf
Distance: 1.3 miles
This one-bed bungalow also has king size sofa bed in the living room, as well as a bathroom and self-contained kitchen.View Deal

Be My Guest Apartments
Distance: 1.3 miles
This two-bed ground floor apartment has a private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining area.View Deal

Prince Arthur Apartment
Distance: 2.1 miles
This two-bed apartment has an open plan kitchen dining area, separate bathroom with shower and toilet.View Deal

Corporation Wharf Holiday Home
Distance: 2.6 miles
This two-bed house is in a quiet Bootle neighbourhood with private secure parking. The garden offers an outdoor bar.View Deal

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Get your tickets for the 2026 Grand National Festival

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:17:34 +0000

If you want to be witness to the race “the world stops to watch”, you need to sort your Grand National tickets sooner rather than later as many enclosures are already sold out for Grand National Day (Saturday 11 April).

We’ve rounded up all your ticket options for whole The Randox Grand National Festival and given a brief description of the views and access areas to help you decide which is the right option for you. If you opt for an area with reserved seating, it’s best to book at the same time as your party to avoid being sat apart. Some enclosures are limited to six tickets per buyer, while others offer group discounts, depending on the nature of the area.

Grand National tickets

There are lots of ticket options for the Grand National and the price varies with each enclosure depending on their access to different areas of Aintree Racecourse. I’ve listed the options below in ascending order of starting price. The starting prices are usually correct for the Opening Day of the festival (Thursday 9 April), and these increase for Ladies’ Day (Friday 10 April) and again for Grand National Day (Saturday 11 April).

When choosing your enclosure, aside from price, consider what your priorities are on the day – do you want easy access to the parade ring, a view of the finish, a reserved covered seat or do you want to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy a range of live entertainment?

Due to the size of the racecourse, viewing options will vary with choice of enclosure. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Festival Zone

Although you won’t have full access to the racecourse with this ticket, you will be able to enjoy live music and entertainment, plenty of food and drink options, and the opportunity to see horses around the Aintree parade ring.

Buy tickets from £33.50

The Embankment

The Embankment offers a view of the first fences of the Grand National course, plus access to bars and catering facilities, big screen viewing, live entertainment, betting facilities and unreserved seating.

There is no access to the parade ring side of the racecourse with these tickets and they are only available on Grand National day. Embankment tickets can be purchased at a discounted rate for groups of 10 or more.

Buy tickets from £44.10

Earl of Derby Terrace

This enclosure is located with views over the parade ring, winners’ enclosure and the course, with access to live entertainment in both the Red Rum Garden and Aintree Pavilion. You’ll also have easy access to Tote betting facilities and big screens.

Buy tickets from £59

Lord Sefton Terrace

This enclosure offers views over the parade ring, winners’ enclosure and the course. The outdoor terrace area next to the horsewalk and you’ll be in close proximity to the wash-down area and have trackside viewing. You can also access to live entertainment in the Red Rum Garden and Aintree Pavilion.

Buy tickets from £59

West Tip seats

These seats are located alongside the home straight and close to the final fences on the course. You will have access to a reserved, covered seat, private bar and toilets, as well the facilities in Festival Zone, which includes the Rum & Ginger bar, betting facilities and big screens.

Buy tickets from £63

Easy access to the parade ring is a draw for those who want to see the runners before the race and watch the jockeys mount. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Lord Daresbury Roof

For a birds-eye view directly above the finishing post, with a vantage point over the course, this area offers an outdoor balcony area, access to the parade ring and winners’ enclosure, and live entertainment in the Red Rum Garden and Aintree Pavilion.

Buy tickets from £69

Princess Royal Roof

This standing area is partially covered and has a dedicated bar in the Tommy Wallis Suite, which has a view of the final closing moments of every race. There is also viewing access to the parade ring and winners’ enclosure. You’ll have access to live music in the Aintree Pavilion throughout the day, with an act after the racing.

Buy tickets from £69

Garden Club

The Garden Club offers a unique experience in a private first floor bar with views of the parade ring – it is not course facing. There is live entertainment, betting facilities and big screen viewing. Garden Club ticket holders also have access to the Festival Zone.

Buy tickets from £91

Queen Mother Roof

These partially covered seats give you a direct view of the finishing post and a great view of the course. It is well located for the parade ring and winners’ enclosure, with access to live entertainment in both the Red Rum Garden and Aintree Pavilion. This enclosure has a dedicated bar, and your ticket includes a complimentary racecard voucher and street food voucher.

Buy tickets from £102

Earl of Derby lower seats

Here you will receive a dedicated seat within an uncovered area with views over the parade ring, winners’ enclosure and the course.

Buy tickets from £104

Earl of Derby upper seats

With this ticket you’ll get a dedicated seat in an uncovered area with access to the Upper Saddle Bar. It’s the highest vantage point you can view the racing from. You’ll also have viewing access of the Parade Ring and Winners’ Enclosure, plus access to the Red Rum Garden and Aintree Pavilion.

Buy tickets from £104

Lord Sefton upper and lower seats

These tickets give you a dedicated seat in an outdoor area next to the horsewalk and in close proximity to the wash down area and the course. You’ll also have access to the partially covered private Saddle Bar, which overlooks the parade ring and winners’ enclosure, and access to the Red Rum Garden and Aintree Pavilion.

Buy tickets from £104

For some, a view of the finishing post is most important when selecting a ticket. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Queen Mother Seats

Here you will be well-located for a direct view of the finishing post with excellent vantage points over the course. You’ll be able to enjoy a dedicated bar in an uncovered area with access to the parade ring, winners’ enclosure and live music in the Aintree Pavilion throughout the day. Your ticket includes a complimentary racecard voucher and street food voucher.

Buy tickets from £115

Princess Royal seats and gallery

In this over-21s area, you will get a reserved seat with good views of the course. You will be close to the finishing post and have access of the parade ring, winners’ enclosure and the Red Rum Garden.

Buy tickets from £140

Platinum Lounge seats

These covered seats offer a birds-eye view directly above the finishing post. You’ll have exclusive access to the private bar, dedicated betting and toilet facilities, and access to the parade ring, winners’ enclosure, Red Rum Garden and Aintree Pavilion. This ticket also includes complimentary race card.

Buy tickets from £140

Grand National hospitality tickets

There are a range of hospitality experiences on offer, ranging from restaurant packages to private boxes. These vary in price depending upon race day and the size of your party, but they start at £385 per person and include an admission ticket and food and drink refreshments throughout the day. They also include a complimentary racecard, and usually a number of car passes dependent on your party size.

For more information about hospitality options, visit thejockeyclub.co.uk

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Kim Bailey: ‘The Grand National is a race of dreams and drama’

Kim Bailey — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:24:23 +0000

Cotswolds-based National Hunt trainer Kim Bailey, who won the the Grand National with Mr Frisk, reflects on the magical ingredients in this year’s race

That was as good a Randox Grand National result as you could have wished for. The Aintree race always has a story and my God it did not disappoint this year.

Willie Mullins trained the first three home and five of the first seven. “Oh, how boring,” you might think if you looked at the result on paper. But not if you had watched the race. In real time, the brilliant television coverage caught it all.

There was great drama from the start, which for once went smoothly. The sun shone and the racecourse was packed with colour.

Watching the horses charge down to the famous, if slightly diminished, Becher’s Brook was a sight to behold. As the race unfolded, you could imagine any of several horses winning the race with the ever-changing ebb and flow of the runners at the front.

Then, two from home, you could see that Willie Mullins held a huge hand. It looked all the way up the run-in that last year’s winner I Am Maximus was going to triumph again, but there was Patrick Mullins on Nick Rockett creeping closer and, 100 yards from the winning post, the battle was won.

Now if you thought the race held plenty of drama, then you were in for a huge wave of emotion watching the Mullins family left speechless. They were totally overcome by the fact their only son Patrick had just won the biggest race in the world.

The television cameras panned on a shell-shocked Willie who looked totally overcome. Five minutes later, Matt Chapman with the ITV Racing crew grabbed Willie who, for the very first time in his public life, just could not speak as he was so choked up.

The tears, joy and emotion that racing’s most famous trainer showed left lumps in the throats of many watching. It was an extraordinary moment of television.

A mix of emotions

The Grand National winner always has a story and away from the Mullins family for a moment, the winning owner Stewart Andrew revealed it was his late wife Sadie who convinced Willie Mullins to train the winner.

Stewart said, “Nick Rockett wasn’t my horse, it was my wife’s horse, and she wanted a horse in training with Willie. She had her holy communion with him.

“We bumped into him by chance at Cheltenham sales and Sadie said, ‘Why don’t we get Willie to buy a horse for us?’”

Stewart responded, “Well if you want to get Willie to buy a horse, Sadie, buy a horse.” And she did. As they say, the rest is history.

The sadness was that Stewart’s wife Sadie died in 2022 after watching her horse finish fourth in a bumper at Fairyhouse.

Horse welfare on a hot day

Horse welfare played its part on a hot day at Aintree. Nick Rockett was taken off to be washed down and cooled off after the race so no horse returned to the winner’s enclosure.

Patrick Mullins – not to be without a mount – rode piggyback into the winner’s enclosure on Nick Rockett’s owner Stewart Andrew, celebrating as he went. And why not?

The vibes were brilliant, the race yet again held us all on tenterhooks. Can you imagine how proud you would be if it was your son who had just ridden a Grand National winner, and you trained it? Magical stuff.

The Grand National proved once again why it’s a race of dreams and drama. This year’s race has every right to have a huge chapter written about it in the history book of the world’s most famous horse race.

● What was your favourite story from this year’s Randox Grand National Festival? Tell us about it at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘Nick Rockett has always been a legend to me, now he’s proven it to the world’: meet Aintree’s Grand National hero

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:30:49 +0000

The 2025 Randox Grand National winner Nick Rockett stands barely 16hh, but he’s as “brave as a lion” said jockey Patrick Mullins in the aftermath of their victory in the world famous race on Saturday, 5 April at huge odds of 33/1.

We wanted to find out more about the gallant little Aintree hero, who is trained by Patrick’s father Willie Mullins, so we spoke to his devoted groom Katie Walton about her beloved “Nickers”, as the eight-year-old is known at home.

She tells H&H about some of the charismatic gelding’s “bizarre” habits and the remarkable story leading up to that historic day when Nick Rockett became a true Grand National legend.

Grand National winner Nick Rockett: “A huge personality” with some “bizarre” habits

Nick Rockett’s groom Katie Walton has been part of the all-conquering Willie Mullins team at Closutton, Co. Carlow, for the past five years and she is now one of the head lads on the 200-horse training establishment. She has looked after Nick Rockett – AKA “Nickers” – since he came to the yard three years ago.

“When he first arrived, he was only around 15hh, he was like a big greyhound,” says Katie. “He did do a lot of growing over the summer – upwards, not outwards because he’s still very slim and petite. He’s around 16hh now. He came in with the name Nickers – I don’t know who gave it to him, but that’s how everyone knows him now.

“He’s an absolute pleasure to deal with, there’s never a peep out of him. He makes my life and my job so easy and he’s not a hassle at all. He tends to randomly stare up to the ceiling and I say he’s talking to ghosts or he sees something that we don’t, because his mouth will be moving as well. It’s bizarre. And if there’s music in the yard, he’ll bop away with his head. He’s such a character, a really big personality.

“We know when he’s in good form at home because I’ll fall off him!” she continues. “He’s quick, sharp and loves to whip round. But he’s an absolute pleasure to ride really – you squeeze, he goes, very simple. Although I make it look like I’m being run away with sometimes, otherwise the other riders will try to take him off me!”

Aintree Grand National day: “He was on his toes”

Nick Rockett started the year in flying form, winning the Thyestes and Bobbyjo chases, with Willie Mullins’ stable jockey Paul Townend riding. Paul chose to ride last year’s Grand National winner I Am Maximus at Aintree, however.

“In the run-up to the race, I kept telling everyone Nick Rockett was going to win, but I think that was more me manifesting than anything else,” says Katie.

“On the morning of the Grand National, we fed him and his jockey Patrick Mullins came and rode him out, then there are all the videos on social media of him having a good roll afterwards [pictured below]. Paddy said he was really keen and he felt in flying form.”

Nick Rockett enjoys a roll on the grass on the morning of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, with jockey Patrick Mullins. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The son of Walk In The Park was “on his toes” by the time he and the 33 other Grand National runners were in the parade ring.

Katie says: “As he was being saddled, I said to his owner, Stewart Andrew, ‘I just want him to come home safe’ and Stewart said, ‘Katie, he doesn’t owe us anything – he deserves his place to run in the race’. Nick Rockett winning the Thyestes [Grade Three chase at Gowran Park in January] was obviously a really big moment for his owner and for his beloved wife, who sadly passed away.

“When Patrick got up on him, I said he’s in flying form – I really think he’s in with a chance,” says Katie.

“I couldn’t really see the race and I tried to watch it on my phone but there was no internet, so I was really just listening to the commentary. I could hear he was still in the race, then watching him come to the last fence, I was in floods of tears.

“I grabbed hold of David Porter, one of the head lads in Closutton. I got hold of the back of his bodywarmer and I was just shaking him – I don’t think he had any of his eardrum left either! I did think I Am Maximus was going to catch him, but Nick Rockett kicked on. He’s so tough, he’s only a small horse but he has the heart of a lion and he absolutely loves to jump. He jumps for fun.”

Nick Rockett, ridden by Patrick Mullins (orange and black silks), soars over the final fence en route to winning the 2025 Randox Grand National at Aintree. (Image credit: Grossick Racing)

The aftermath of the race: “The Aintree vets and staff were fantastic”

Katie explains that Nick Rockett was feeling the effects of the heat in the immediate aftermath of the race, so as soon as he’d crossed the line, she and the vets and Aintree’s brilliant team of horse handlers attended to him, after which connections returned to the winner’s enclosure and waiting media.

“He was very warm afterwards – he’d put his heart and soul into the race and he came past the finish line with his ears pricked, then when he stopped he just got very warm and very tired, so he was a bit wobbly. But the Aintree vets and staff were fantastic,” says Katie.

“I’d say there were around 100 buckets of water poured over him before we even got him to the wash bay area, then another 300 buckets went over him as we walked in front of the fans. They were so good, there were maybe 10 people around him constantly pouring buckets of water over him. He got the best care in the world.

“The vets were on standby and stayed with us until he was perfect.

“I didn’t want to leave him to go to the presentation,” Katie continues. “But he’d started to perk up. We put him back in his stable and let him calm down. He was quiet as anything, back to normal, then later on, the minute we put his rug and sash on, he was ready to go again.

“‘Did you just forget you ran four miles?’ I said to him. Then I couldn’t get him to stand for the photos – he was so proud of himself and I’m so proud of him.”

Trainer Willie Mullins with Grand National winner Nick Rockett and his groom Katie Walton on the evening of the race at Aintree racecourse. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Reflecting on the glory of Grand National success

Once Nick Rockett had been given the all-clear, he joined his stablemates on the journey back to Ireland and they were back in Closutton by 6.30am on Sunday morning. The bay gelding enjoyed a day in the field where videos showed him trotting around with a real spring in his step. The traditional Grand National homecoming parade and party was due to take place on Wednesday, 9 April.

“It still hasn’t sunk in that he’s won the National,” says Katie. “I’m just so happy for him. People wait 50 years to have a horse like Nick Rockett. He’s proved he’s the best. He’s always been a legend to me, but now he’s proved he’s a legend to the world – everyone knows who Nick Rockett is now.

“He’s a credit to Willie Mullins and to his owners; I’m just so lucky that they’ve brought this horse into my life.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘Everything I’ve dreamed about’: father and son team up to win 2025 Grand National

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 17:03:44 +0000

Nick Rockett gave the Mullins family a day to remember when winning the 2025 Randox Grand National at Aintree under Patrick Mullins for his father, trainer Willie Mullins.

The 33/1 shot sat in a handy position throughout the race and a great jump at the last fence left him in front. He battled to the line alongside last year’s winner I Am Maximus, eventually beating him into second by two-and-a-half lengths.

“Incredible – it was just perfect. It’s everything I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid,” said an elated Patrick, who rides as an amateur. “It’s a cliché, but when I was five or six years old, I remember reading books about the National and watching black and white videos of Red Rum and the like. So to put my name there is incredibly special.

“He’s just a brilliant horse; he’s not very big, he would be one of the smallest in the field. He’s 50 or 60 kilos lighter than the rest of our National horses today, but he’s as brave as a lion.”

Willie Mullins was responsible for five of the first seven home and has become the first trainer to have the first three in the race.

“This is the summit for me – I don’t think anything can be better than this. I never thought it would happen, and here we are,” said Willie, who was overcome with emotion.

“To put your son up on a Grand National winner – what a special day for him, as a jockey and as a person. To win a Grand National as a trainer – wow, how wonderful. To have the two combined – I can’t explain it. I can’t comprehend it and I find it hard to take.”

Nick Rockett is an eight-year-old son of Walk In The Park, owned by Stewart Andrew and his late wife Sadie.

“This is a class horse and he’s got the heart of a lion,” commented Stewart. “I can’t tell you what it’s like from a personal point of view. Sadie would have loved today. She’s up there and she’ll have had a tenner each-way I can guarantee.

“Patrick – what a ride, what a ride. I knew if we got to the front jumping the last he’s tough. If you look at his form, when he jumps the last he keeps going and keeps finding and finding.”

Paul Townend, who was second aboard top weight I Am Maximus, owned by JP McManus, said: “No excuses really. He’s run a huge race again. He took me through the race better last year, probably. I’m just sickened to be beat!”

Brian Hayes was third on Grangeclare West, who is owned by Cheveley Park Stud.

“He did everything right – settled, jumped, travelled into the race quite easy,” said Brian. “He stayed going all the way to the line really well. He just got into the bottom of the last, which maybe cost him second.”

Iroko, the leading British contender trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, went off 13/2 favourite and finished fourth ahead of Meetingofthewaters in fifth.

“We know how hard it is to get a horse into this shape and it was a great run,” said Oliver Greenall. “He jumped really well, he just got a bit outpaced. I think softer ground would have helped him a bit, but I can’t complain.”

A total of 34 horses started, 16 finished, one jockey was unseated, 13 pulled up, two fell and one was brought down.

Broadway Boy, who fell, and Celebre D’Allen, who was pulled up, both received expert veterinary care on course before walking onto a horse ambulance and were taken back to the racecourse stables for further assessment.

Broadway Boy’s jockey Tom Bellamy went to hospital and has a broken wrist. It is reported that all other horses and jockeys are ok.

Update on injured Grand National horses: Tuesday 8 April

Broadway Boy has returned to Nigel Twiston-Davies’ yard after spending Saturday night at Aintree being cared for by vets and his groom Laura Scrivener.

Celebre D’Allen also spent the night on course receiving additional care and showed some improvement. He was then moved to a nearby stud connected to the horse’s owners on Sunday, but on Monday night his condition deteriorated.

Philip Hobbs Racing said: “We’re heartbroken to share that Celebre D’Allen has passed away. He received the very best treatment by the veterinary teams and was improving. However, he deteriorated significantly last night and could not be saved. He was a wonderful horse and we will all miss him greatly.”

Read the full report from the Grand National in the 11 April issue of the magazine

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

From Tiger Roll to Neptune Collognes – what are these Grand National winners up to now?

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 07:30:44 +0000

The Grand National is set to take place for the 177th time today (5 April 2025), but what does life hold for these outstanding equine athletes who are Grand National winners after they have triumphed in the world’s most famous steeplechase?

While some, like last year’s winner I Am Maximus will return to Aintree in an attempt to repeat their impressive achievement, others are retrained for new careers as riding horses or are otherwise enjoying their retirement away from crowds. Many will make occasional appearances in special parades of legends for fans on major race days. We find out what some recent Grand National winners are up to now…

Grand National winners: where are they now?

Tiger Roll (winner 2018 and 2019)

"Every horse that will line up at the tape, will have a chance to win the Grand National."@_Davy_Russel_ explains what makes a National horse (whilst sat on Tiger Roll) pic.twitter.com/aY885n5eew"Every horse that will line up at the tape, will have a chance to win the Grand National."@_Davy_Russel_ explains what makes a National horse (whilst sat on Tiger Roll) pic.twitter.com/aY885n5eew— The Jockey Club (@TheJockeyClub) April 9, 2024— The Jockey Club (@TheJockeyClub) April 9, 2024

Tiger Roll, who is now 15 years old, was retired from his prolific National Hunt career in March 2022. He was trained for most of his career by Gordon Elliott in Ireland and clocked up over £1.35m in prize money. He retired to his owner Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown Stud in Ireland, and has since been retrained for the show ring.

He was first seen out in his new career at Tullamore Show in Ireland in August 2022. Ridden by Ted O’Leary, Tiger Roll won a racehorse to riding horse class, qualifying for the prestigious Dublin Horse Show later that month.

He was caught on camera in December 2024 while enjoying retirement at Gordon Elliott’s yard in Ireland, galloping and bucking in excitement alongside former fellow Grand National winner, Silver Birch.

Minella Times (winner 2021)

Minella Times, who was trained by Henry De Bromhead, was responsible for carrying Rachael Blackmore to her history-making success in 2021, when she became the first woman to win the race.

The now 12-year-old was retired from racing in February 2023 and has since been enjoying his retirement at Martinstown, his owned JP McManus’ Irish stud.

Rule The World (winner 2016)

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The 18-year-old provided his connections and trainer Mouse Morris with a “fairytale” triumph in the 2016 Grand National when his jockey, David Mullins was just 19 years old.

He was retired quite young at the age of nine in 2016, following his big win. Although in good health when retired, the decision was made based on his previous pelvic injuries.

He is now enjoying his retirement at his owner Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud.

Pineau De Re (winner 2014)

(Image credit: MARK EATON)

The 2014 Grand National winner, who provided Leighton Aspell with the first of his back-to-back wins, has enjoyed his second career as an eventer.

The French-bred 23-year-old made his eventing debut in 2017 in an unaffiliated BE90 class at Aston-Le-Walls in Northamptonshire, under Lizzie Doolittle (pictured, above), and has since gone on to be placed in BE100 classes and has completed at BE novice too. Lizzie has also credited Pineau De Re for helping her rediscover her joy for eventing.

Auroras Encore (winner 2013)

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Auroras Encore’s preparation for the 2013 Grand National may have been held up by snow drifts on the Yorkshire moors where he was trained, but didn’t stop him storming to a memorable nine-length victory.

The 66-1 hero was retired in January 2014 after sustaining an injury in a race at Doncaster. He is enjoying life to the full at his trainer Sue Smith’s stables.

Neptune Collonges (winner 2012)

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Neptune Collonges became only the third grey horse to win the Grand National when he got his head in front by just a nose to deny Sunnyhillboy.

Now 24, “Nipper” has been kept busy — training for dressage competitions ridden by Lisa Hales, daughter of owner John Hales who sadly died in January 2025. Fittingly, Nipper led John’s funeral procession.

Nipper often takes part in the annual Aintree parade of champions and has also visited the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool during the Grand National meeting.

Don’t Push It (winner 2010)

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Don’t Push It gave record-breaking champion jockey AP McCoy his elusive Grand National win at the 15th attempt. He was third in the race 12 months later and retired in 2012.

Always a somewhat quirky character who preferred the company of sheep to racehorses when in training with Jonjo O’Neill, 25-year-old Don’t Push It is now settled in retirement at Martinstown Stud in Ireland.

Mon Mome (winner 2009)

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The 24-year-old retired aged 13 in 2013 and remained in the familiar surroundings of his trainer Venetia Williams’ Herefordshire yard.

Only the fifth 100-1 chance in history to win the race, who was ridden by the late Liam Treadwell, Mon Mome loves to be kept busy and, since his retirement, has taken part in shows, including winning a novice thoroughbred-in-hand class.

Silver Birch (winner 2007)

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

A spell cross-country chasing sharpened up Silver Birch for a 33-1 surprise win under jockey Robbie Power.

Now aged 27, Silver Birch’s racing career didn’t finish until he was a teenager, when he was retired in 2010. He then went on to take part in racehorse-to-riding-horse events at venues such as the Royal Dublin Show and was caught on camera in December 2024 alongside Tiger Roll in December 2024.

Numbersixvalverde (winner 2006)

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Named after his owner Bernard Carroll’s holiday home in Portugal, Numbersixvalverde gave jockey Niall Madden a thrilling win on his first Grand National ride, aged just 20, in 2006.

The 29-year-old past Grand National winner took successfully to other disciplines since his retirement in 2009, including dressage. He still lives in the same racing yard in County Kildare where he was trained for his Aintree victory by Martin Brassil.

Ballabriggs (winner 2011, pictured right)

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Twenty-four-year-old Ballabriggs is enjoying his retirement at his owner, the late Trevor Hemmings’ stud on the Isle of Man.

Ballabriggs enabled trainer Donald McCain to follow in his illustrious father Ginger’s footsteps when winning in 2011. He was retired in April 2013 after pulling up in the Grand National — he had run 28 races and won seven.

Grand National winners since 2000

2000: Papillon, ridden by Ruby Walsh, trained by Ted Walsh, owned by Mrs J. Maxwell Moran

2001: Red Marauder, ridden by Richard Guest, trained by Norman Mason, owned by Norman Mason

2002: Bindaree, ridden by Jim Culloty, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, owned by Raymond Mould

2003: Monty’s Pass, ridden by Barry Geraghty, trained by Jimmy Mangan, owned by Dee Racing Syndicate

2004: Amberleigh House, ridden by Graham Lee, trained by Ginger McCain, owned by Halewood Int. Ltd

2005: Hedgehunter, ridden by Ruby Walsh, trained by Willie Mullins, owned by Trevor Hemmings

2006: Numbersixvalverde, ridden by Niall Madden, trained by Martin Brassil, owned by Bernard Carroll

2007: Silver Birch, ridden by Robbie Power, trained by Gordon Elliott, owned by Brian Walsh

2008: Comply or Die, ridden by Timmy Murphy, trained by David Pipe, owned by David Johnson

2009: Mon Mome, ridden by Liam Treadwell, trained by Venetia Williams, owned by Vida Bingham

2010: Don’t Push It, ridden by AP McCoy, trained by Jonjo O’Neill, owned by J. P. McManus

2011: Ballabriggs, ridden by Jason Maguire, trained by Donald McCain Jr., owned by Trevor Hemmings

2012: Neptune Collonges, ridden by Daryl Jacob, trained by Paul Nicholls, owned by John Hales

2013: Auroras Encore, ridden by Ryan Mania, trained by Sue Smith, owned by Douglas Pryde, Jim Beaumont and David P van der Hoeven

2014: Pineau De Re, ridden by Leighton Aspell, trained by Dr Richard Newland, owned by John Provan

2015: Many Clouds, ridden by Leighton Aspell, trained by Oliver Sherwood, owned by Trevor Hemmings

2016: Rule The World, ridden by David Mullins, trained by Mouse Morris, owned by Gigginstown House Stud

2017: One For Arthur, ridden by Derek Fox, trained by Lucinda Russell, owned by Deborah Thomson & Belinda McClung

2018: Tiger Roll, ridden by Davy Russell, trained by Gordon Elliott, owned by Gigginstown House Stud

2019: Tiger Roll, ridden by Davy Russell, trained by Gordon Elliott, owned by Gigginstown House Stud

2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic

2021: Minella Times, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, trained by Henry de Bromhead, owned by J. P. McManus

2022: Noble Yeats, ridden by Mr Sam Waley-Cohen, trained by Emmet Mullins, owned by Robert Waley-Cohen

2023: Corach Rambler, ridden by Derek Fox, trained by Lucinda Russell, owned by The Ramblers

2024: I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend, trained by Willie Mullins, owned by J. P. McManus

Read the full report from the Grand National in the 11 April issue of the magazine

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Top jockey Rachael Blackmore turns children’s author with new book Granny National ahead of Aintree showcase

Franchesca Slack — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:00:40 +0000

Racing sensation and history-making jockey Rachael Blackmore has released her first children’s book Granny National, which is currently available for pre-order.

In 2021, Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National in the race’s 182-year history. She will ride Minella Indo in this year’s race. View all the Grand National runners and riders

Rachael was also crowned world sports star of the year at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in 2021, cementing her position as a great role model for young riders.

Over the past three years Rachael has been drawing on her racing experience to create the story, with assistance from Rachel Pierce. Granny National is described as “a wildly fun horse-riding story for children aged eight to 10”.

Rachael loves to read, but is dyslexic and found reading a struggle in her youth. She is keen to show young readers that dyslexia isn’t a barrier to enjoying reading and hopes her book will be enjoyed by all.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The story is about a granny, who dreams of being a jockey, and her four friends who hatch a plan to try to make it happen. The gang must come together for “Operation Granny National”, but will they pull it off? And what happens when everyone finds out what they’ve done? There’s bound to be big trouble ahead!

The book is beautifully illustrated throughout by Tom Snape, bringing the horses and Granny to life.

Granny National is available to pre-order now at amazon.co.uk

Heading to the races? Here are 7 of the best binoculars to keep you abreast of the action

Oscar Williams — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:54:40 +0000

If you’re gearing up for race day and want to catch every thrilling moment from a front-row perspective, having a pair of the best binoculars is a game-changer. Think of it like having a personal front-seat upgrade – you get to see every gallop, every stride, and every burst of speed without having to scramble for a better view.

There are plenty of options out there to suit different needs. In this guide to the best binoculars for horse racing we’ll give you all the information you need to pick the best binoculars to enhance your enjoyment at the races, whether you’re heading to Cheltenham Festival or your local track. If you’re a bit befuddled by the numbers and specifications, here’s a super-simple explainer.

Best binoculars for horse racing: H&H’s quick guide

Best value binoculars: Nikon Prostaff P7 10×42

Best compact binoculars: Steiner BluHorizons 10×26

Best premium pick: Canon 10×30 IS

Best budget pick: Olympus 8×25 WP

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Nikon Prostaff P7 10×42

Magnification: 10x

Objective lens diameter: 42mm

Weight: 645g

RRP: £259

Reasons to buy

Sharp, high-contrast images with multi-coated lenses
Waterproof and fog-proof, ideal for all weather conditions
Comfortable rubber-armoured grip for secure handling

Reasons to avoid

Slightly heavier than some compact models
Higher magnification can make it harder to keep a steady image without a tripod

The Nikon Prostaff P7 10×42 is a solid all-rounder, perfect for racegoers who want crisp, detailed views without jumping to a premium price bracket. The multi-coated optics and phase-corrected roof prisms enhance brightness and clarity, helping you track fast-moving horses with ease.

Built to handle the elements, these binoculars are waterproof and nitrogen-filled, meaning you won’t have to worry about misting up in damp conditions. The textured rubber coating ensures a comfortable and secure grip, even on a long day at the races.

With 10x magnification, you’ll get up-close views of the action, but if you struggle with a steady hand, a lower magnification model might be easier to use. However, for those looking for a high-quality pair that balances performance, durability, and affordability, the Nikon Prostaff 7S is a great pick.

Steiner BluHorizons 10×26

Magnification: 10x

Objective lens diameter: 26mm

Weight: 310g

RRP: £199

Reasons to buy

Ultra-compact and lightweight
Auto-adjusting light technology for glare-free viewing
Rugged, rubber exterior for durability

Reasons to avoid

Smaller objective lens lets in less light in low-light conditions
10x magnification can be tricky to keep steady in a compact model

The Steiner BluHorizons 10×26 is perfect for racegoers who want a lightweight, pocket-sized binocular without sacrificing performance. The lens automatically adjusts brightness to reduce glare – ideal for those sunny days at the track.

While the 10x magnification provides fantastic close-up views, the smaller 26mm objective lens means they perform best in bright daylight. If you want something compact that’s easy to carry but still powerful enough for a detailed view, these are a great option.

Canon 10×30 IS

Magnification: 10x

Objective lens diameter: 30mm

Weight: 600g

RRP: £469.99

Reasons to buy

Image stabilisation tech (IS) for a steady view
Crisp, high-contrast optics
Comfortable, ergonomic design for extended use

Reasons to avoid

Battery-powered stabilization requires replacements
More expensive than non-stabilized models

The Canon 10×30 IS stands out with its image stabilisation technology, which compensates for hand movements, delivering a steady, shake-free view. This makes them perfect for following the action, even at higher magnifications.

The 30mm objective lens balances portability and light-gathering ability, making them a solid mid-range option. If you struggle to keep binoculars steady but want the benefits of 10x zoom, these are the best horse racing binoculars for you.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Olympus 8×25 WP

Magnification: 8x

Objective lens diameter: 25mm

Weight: 260g

RRP: £109.99

Reasons to buy

Extremely lightweight and compact
Waterproof design for all-weather use
Budget-friendly without sacrificing quality

Reasons to avoid

Lower magnification compared to others on this list
Small objective lens limits brightness in dim conditions

The Olympus 8×25 WP is one of the most compact and affordable options on this list, making it a great pick for casual racegoers. Despite its small size, the optics are surprisingly sharp and its waterproofing ensures durability.

If you’re after something lightweight that still provides clear and stable viewing, these are an excellent choice for the price.

Zeiss Terra ED 8×42

Magnification: 8x

Objective lens diameter: 42mm

Weight: 725g

Reasons to buy

Wide field of view
Exceptional optics with ED glass for high contrast and sharp details
Waterproof and nitrogen-filled for durability

Reasons to avoid

Higher price point compared to similar models
Slightly bulkier than compact binoculars

The Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 is a premium choice for those who want exceptional clarity and a wide field of view. The ED glass enhances contrast and reduces chromatic aberration, meaning you get razor-sharp images with true-to-life colors.

With 8x magnification, you get a broader perspective, making it easier to track horses in motion. They’re slightly larger than some competitors, but if optical quality is your top priority, these are worth the investment.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Steiner Wildlife 8×24

Magnification: 8x

Objective lens diameter: 24mm

Weight: 350g

RRP: £189

Reasons to buy

Lightweight and compact for easy carrying
Wide field of view for tracking movement
Robust, rubber design

Reasons to avoid

Smaller objective lens limits brightness in low light
Not as powerful as larger models

For racegoers who want a balance between portability and performance, the Steiner Wildlife 8×24 could be the one for you. The 8x magnification offers a steady, wide view, making it easier to track moving horses.

Designed for rugged use, the rubber coating ensures a secure grip, even in wet conditions. While the smaller objective lens means they’re best suited to bright daylight, their lightweight design makes them easy to carry all day.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Celestron Outland X 10×42

Magnification: 10x

Objective lens diameter: 42mm

Weight: 624g

RRP: £95

Reasons to buy

Great value for a 10×42 model
Waterproof and fog-proof for all-weather use
Rubber coating for a secure grip

Reasons to avoid

Image clarity not as sharp as premium models
Slightly heavier than some alternatives

For those on a budget, the Celestron Outland X 10×42 provides decent magnification and a robust, waterproof design at a low price point. They don’t match the clarity of higher-end options, but they’re solid for casual use.

How to choose a pair of binoculars for horse racing

There are plenty of binoculars available. Some are super compact and easy to carry around, which is perfect if you want to keep things light and hassle-free. Others, however, pack a bit more power with higher magnification and even image stabilisation to make sure you don’t miss a detail – even if your hands are a little shaky from all the excitement. It all comes down to what kind of experience you’re after.

“A decent pair of binoculars are your best accessory at the races,” explains Horse & Hound’s racing editor Jennifer Donald. “If you’ve a vested interest in a particular horse, whether as a punter, keen spectator or owner, nothing beats zooming in and following all the action.”

Gemma Redrup, Horse & Hound’s point-to-point editor adds: “In the absence of a big screen at most point-to-point fixtures, binoculars really help you keep abreast of the action within a race – and can therefore make you the envy of many as a result!”

Understanding binocular numbers: what do they mean?

When you pick up a pair of binoculars, you’ll often see a set of numbers printed on the body – something like “8×32” or “10×42”. At first glance, these might seem confusing, but they’re actually the key to understanding how your binoculars will perform.

The first number represents the magnification. An 8x magnification means objects will appear eight times closer than they are to the naked eye, while 10x magnification brings them ten times closer. The “x” simply stands for “times magnification”.

The second number refers to the diameter of the objective lens (the lens furthest from your eyes) in millimeters. For example, in 8×32 binoculars, the 32mm objective lens determines how much light enters the binoculars. A larger lens allows more light in, which means a brighter, clearer image, especially in low-light conditions.

What binoculars are best for horse racing?

It might seem like bigger is better when it comes to magnification, but that’s not always the case. While higher magnification provides a closer view, it also has trade-offs. Without a large enough objective lens, the image can appear darker and less clear, especially in low light.

For horse racing, you’ll want a balance between magnification and stability. Anything over 10x can amplify natural hand movements, making the image shaky and difficult to track fast-moving horses. Heavier binoculars can also become tiring to hold for long periods.

For the best race-day experience, 8x or 10x magnification with a 32mm–42mm objective lens is ideal – giving you a clear, steady view without unnecessary weight.

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Trainer Nicky Henderson on pre-Cheltenham bombshells, rivalry with Willie Mullins, his love for Sprinter Sacre and chasing that elusive Grand National win

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 16:30:02 +0000

With the Cheltenham Festival (11-14 March) just days away, six-time champion National Hunt racehorse trainer Nicky Henderson admits he and the team at Seven Barrows are now box-walking in anticipation.

Speaking on episode 162 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, which is sponsored by a new campaign from British racing called HorsePWR, Nicky firstly reflects on the “bombshell” of “bright spark” Sir Gino’s injury in the run-up to this year’s Festival, before looking back fondly to his first ever Festival winner, which came with the quirky hurdler See You Then exactly 40 years ago.

“We started in 1978 and our first Cheltenham winner came in 1985,” says Nicky. “The Champion Hurdle has been a very lucky race for us; we’re on nine at the moment.

“It’s going to be a mighty invasion,” he says of going up against the strong squad of Irish runners at the Festival again this year. “So we need a lot of public support for a start. But we’ve had a few skirmishes with Willie Mullins’ horses since Christmas and it has come out in our favour. I suspect he won’t have taken that lying down and he’ll have them even more tuned up as a result!”

Racehorse trainer Nicky Henderson on all-time great Sprinter Sacre

Jonbon, Constitution Hill and Lulamba are among the superstar horses heading to this year’s Cheltenham Festival, following in the hoofprints of so many racing greats to have come out of Seven Barrows. Among the likes of Remittance Man, Binocular and Altior, it’s Sprinter Sacre that stands out, says Nicky.

“In the first half of his career Sprinter Sacre was unbeatable,” says Nicky. “Then he got ill and he had this heart problem, he was out for 18 months. But he came back, it was last chance saloon, and he won the Shloer Chase and came back and won another Champion Chase at Cheltenham. It was a great day for British racing, the atmosphere that day was just amazing. It’s very special when the crowd appreciates these great warriors. The horses really are the main ingredient.”

Chasing the Grand National dream

Having won nearly every major prize in the sport during his glittering career, Nicky Henderson admits the Grand National is the dream he’s still chasing.

“We actually finished second in it the first year and thought it was going to be easy,” says Nicky. “There’s no point going there and running very good races though, you’ve got to win it.”

To hear more about Nicky Henderson’s insight on his many top horses, how his role has changed over the past 50 years and some remarkable comebacks, listen here to episode 162 of The Horse & Hound Podcast – or search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your favourite podcast app.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Previous winner among Grand National entries for 2025 as weights are revealed

Gemma Redrup — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:57:46 +0000

The Grand National entries and weights for the 2025 race, which takes place at Aintree racecourse on 5 April, have been announced.

Among the 87 confirmed entries at this stage is 2024 Grand National winner I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and owned by JP McManus.

The Gavin Cromwell-trained Inothewayurthinkin currently leads the betting at odds of 8/1. This seven-year-old is owned by JP McManus, who he owns the top three in the betting at this stage. I Am Maximus is second favourite at 12/1, the Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero-trained Iroko is third favourite at 14/1.

The total number of horses accepted to run in the Grand National was reduced from 40 to 34 in 2024, and the final runners will be confirmed 48 hours before the race, which starts at 4pm.

Of the 87 Grand National entries, 47 are Irish-trained, one is French-trained.

Grand National entries for 2025

Key: Number of acceptance, horse name, country of breeding, horse age, weight to carry in the race, owner, trainer

1 I Am Maximus (FR) 9 11 12 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins

2 Royale Pagaille (FR) 11 11 9 Mrs S. Ricci Venetia Williams

3 Envoi Allen (FR) 11 11 8 Cheveley Park Stud Henry de Bromhead

4 Grangeclare West (IRE) 9 11 8 Cheveley Park Stud W. P. Mullins

5 L’Homme Presse (FR) 10 11 8 Dfa Racing (Pink, Edwards & Sharman) Venetia Williams

6 Nick Rockett (IRE) 8 11 8 Stewart & Sadie Andrew W. P. Mullins

7 Hewick (IRE) 10 11 7 Mr T. J. McDonald Tara Lee Cogan

8 Gentlemansgame (GB) 9 11 5 Robcour M. F. Morris

9 Inothewayurthinkin (IRE) 7 11 5 Mr John P. McManus Gavin Cromwell

10 Monty’s Star (IRE) 8 11 5 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead

11 The Real Whacker (IRE) 9 11 4 Neville, Mann, Duffus, Dennis-Price Patrick Neville

12 Minella Indo (IRE) 12 11 3 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead

13 Appreciate It (IRE) 11 11 2 Miss M. A. Masterson W. P. Mullins

14 Capodanno (FR) 9 11 2 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins

15 Conflated (IRE) 11 11 2 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott

16 Delta Work (FR) 12 11 2 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott

17 Minella Cocooner (IRE) 9 11 2 Mr David Bobbett W. P. Mullins

18 Stumptown (IRE) 8 11 2 Furze Bush Syndicate Gavin Cromwell

19 Beauport (IRE) 9 11 1 Bryan & Philippa Burrough Nigel Twiston-Davies

20 Hitman (FR) 9 11 1 Mason, Hogarth, Ferguson & Done Paul Nicholls

21 Bravemansgame (FR) 10 11 0 Bryan Drew Paul Nicholls

22 Chantry House (IRE) 11 10 13 Mr John P. McManus Nicky Henderson

23 Galvin (IRE) 11 10 13 Mr R. A. Bartlett Gordon Elliott

24 Perceval Legallois (FR) 8 10 12 Mr John P. McManus Gavin Cromwell

25 Threeunderthrufive (IRE) 10 10 12 McNeill Family Paul Nicholls

26 Fakir d’Oudairies (FR) 10 10 11 Mr John P. McManus Joseph Patrick O’Brien

27 Iroko (FR) 7 10 11 Mr John P. McManus Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

28 Kandoo Kid (FR) 9 10 11 Mr Michael Geoghegan Paul Nicholls

29 Trelawne (GB) 9 10 11 The Real Partnership Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

30 Idas Boy (IRE) 11 10 10 Dozen Dreamers Richard Phillips

31 Intense Raffles (FR) 7 10 10 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede T. Gibney

32 Limerick Lace (IRE) 8 10 10 Mr John P. McManus Gavin Cromwell

33 Senior Chief (GB) 8 10 10 Lucky In Life Syndicate Henry de Bromhead

34 Broadway Boy (IRE) 7 10 9 Mr D. M. Proos Nigel Twiston-Davies

35 Coko Beach (FR) 10 10 9 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott

36 Farouk d’Alene (FR) 10 10 9 Mr Justin Carthy Gary Brown

37 Fil Dor (FR) 7 10 9 Robcour Gordon Elliott

38 French Dynamite (FR) 10 10 9 Robcour M. F. Morris

39 Mr Incredible (IRE) 9 10 9 Mr J. Manclark Sandy Thomson

40 Stay Away Fay (IRE) 8 10 9 Bell, Lyons, Hill Paul Nicholls

41 Zanahiyr (IRE) 8 10 9 Bective Stud Gordon Elliott

42 Pinkerton (IRE) 9 10 8 Mr P. L. Polly Noel Meade

43 Meetingofthewaters (IRE) 8 10 7 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins

44 Minella Drama (IRE) 10 10 7 Green Day Racing Donald McCain

45 Velvet Elvis (IRE) 9 10 7 Mr D. Kierans Gavin Cromwell

46 Celebre d’Allen (FR) 13 10 6 Mr Allan Stennett Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

47 Fontaine Collonges (FR) 10 10 6 Mr P. Davies Venetia Williams

48 Horantzau d’Airy (FR) 8 10 6 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins

49 Hyland (FR) 8 10 6 The Ten From Seven Nicky Henderson

50 Monbeg Genius (IRE) 9 10 6 Martin Tedham & Wasdell Properties Ltd. Jonjo & A.J. O’Neill

51 Vanillier (FR) 10 10 6 Mrs H. M. Keaveney Gavin Cromwell

52 Minella Crooner (IRE) 9 10 5 KTDA Racing/Nick Courtney/Cillian Moran Gordon Elliott

53 Quick Wave (FR) 12 10 5 Ms Sharon Kinsella Venetia Williams

54 Three Card Brag (IRE) 8 10 5 Patrick & Scott Bryceland, McNeill Family Gordon Elliott

55 Twig (GB) 10 10 5 Mrs G. Morgan Ben Pauling

56 Duffle Coat (IRE) 8 10 4 Mr Ray Stokes Gordon Elliott

57 Roi Mage (FR) 13 10 4 Pryde/Van Der Hoeven/McGladery/Beaumont Patrick Griffin

58 Shakem Up’arry (IRE) 11 10 4 Mr Harry Redknapp Ben Pauling

59 Fantastic Lady (FR) 10 10 3 Mr E. R. Hanbury Nicky Henderson

60 Favori de Champdou (FR) 10 10 3 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott

61 Yeah Man (IRE) 8 10 3 John J. Brennan/Martin Hannan Gavin Cromwell

62 Chemical Energy (IRE) 9 10 2 Bective Stud Gordon Elliott

63 Macdermott (FR) 7 10 2 Gallagher Bloodstock Limited W. P. Mullins

64 Mister Coffey (FR) 10 10 2 Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford Nicky Henderson

65 Mr Vango (IRE) 9 10 2 Cracker and Smodge Partnership Sara Bradstock

66 Bronn (IRE) 8 10 1 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede T. Gibney

67 Desertmore House (IRE) 10 10 1 O. B. P. Carroll/Anthony Vaughan Martin Brassil

68 Malina Girl (IRE) 8 10 1 Mrs J. M. Russell Gavin Cromwell

69 Richmond Lake (IRE) 9 10 1 Hemmings Racing Donald McCain

70 La Renommee (FR) 7 10 0 Upton House Stud Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

71 King Turgeon (FR) 7 9 13 Somerset Racing David Pipe

72 Stuzzikini (IRE) 7 9 13 VCS Versatile Coating Specialist/F Foran Gordon Elliott

73 Cruz Control (FR) 8 9 12 Mr F Green and Mr J Chinn Tom Lacey

74 Surrey Quest (IRE) 8 9 12 Surrey Racing (SQ) Toby Lawes

75 Apple Away (IRE) 8 9 11 Old Gold Racing 14 Lucinda Russell

76 Busselton (FR) 8 9 11 Friendship Partnership Joseph Patrick O’Brien

77 Gevrey (FR) 9 9 11 Denis Gallagher Racing Gordon Elliott

78 Spanish Harlem (FR) 7 9 11 Dr S. P. Fitzgerald W. P. Mullins

79 The Goffer (IRE) 8 9 10 Mr Allan Snow Gordon Elliott

80 Famous Bridge (IRE) 9 9 9 Hemmings Racing Nicky Richards

81 Copperhead (GB) 11 9 7 Mrs G. C. Pritchard Joe Tizzard

82 Escaria Ten (FR) 11 9 7 J B Property Investments (Midlands) Ltd Martin Keighley

83 Where It All Began (IRE) 9 9 7 McNeill Family/Patrick & Scott Bryceland Gordon Elliott

84 Git Maker (FR) 9 9 6 Sheep As A Lamb Syndicate Jamie Snowden

85 Gericault Roque (FR) 9 9 4 Prof. Caroline Tisdall and Bryan Drew David Pipe

86 Pats Fancy (IRE) 10 9 3 Hydes, McDermott, Spencer, Frobisher & Lee Rebecca Curtis

87 Placenet (FR) 8 9 3 Prof C Tisdall & G Thompson D. Cottin

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‘With him till the very end’: sad farewell to 17.2hh Grand National runner who became a ‘lead-rein pony’ and ‘worth his weight in gold’

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 19:51:19 +0000

A beloved former Grand National runner – and Kerry National winner – who went on to excel in everything he turned his hoof to including being a 17.2hh “lead-rein pony” has died aged 25.

Bóthar Na, who was trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by jockeys including Ruby Walsh and Paul Carberry, had spent the last nine years of his life with Sarah McClelland, enjoying showing, dressage, jumping and being part of the family.

Sarah told H&H “Bo” suffered a heart episode and had to be put down on Tuesday (29 October).

“You always know the day is coming, with an older horse, but at the same time you never think it really will come,” she said. “The vet said he was comfortable at that moment but it could happen again at any time, maybe at night or when he was on his own, so it was the right thing.

“I took him out to graze for a bit and then he went peacefully. I sat with him, in the cold, wet sand, with his head in my lap, until he was collected for cremation. It was dignified, and I was with him till the very end.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Bo won about £150,000 in racing, including the Kerry National in 2006. He ran in the Grand National the following year and was retired in 2011, aged 12.

Sarah took him on four years later; Bo was living at a riding school, which closed down.

“He wasn’t the sort of horse I was looking for but I said I’d take him,” she said. “Little did I know, he would take me to all the biggest shows in the country. My background was showing and showjumping so I was used to Irish Sport Horses, warmbloods, Irish Draughts; I had no idea how versatile thoroughbreds were. I thought he could be a happy hacker and I’d get another horse too – but I had no need.”

Sarah and Bo competed in racehorse to riding horse and large riding horse classes, at shows including Balmoral and Dublin Horse Show.

“He also did dressage to medium/elementary, then I found out I was pregnant,” Sarah said. “I rode till just before I had my daughter, then hopped on him six weeks after my caesarean – and then he became an oversized lead-rein pony for my daughter. She’d be trotting him round on the lunge, egging him on to go faster, and god love him, he always behaved so well.

“He never put a foot wrong, except once I took him hunting and he ran off with me past the master! I think the master saw the funny side, but whatever I asked of him; dressage, jumping, working hunter, showing – if not so much hunting – he was always so keen, he wanted to please and he loved it. He was a pleasure in every way, a true gentleman, and worth his weight – and more – in gold.”

Sarah said she has been touched by the number of people who have messaged her since Bo’s death.

“I had no idea how many people knew him,” she said. “I bumped into Ruby Walsh at Dublin last year and he remembered every race he rode him in – including when he broke his nose, overjumping! – he touched many people’s lives and I feel very empty without him.

“One of the girls texted me yesterday to say the stables were silent; the horses all standing with their heads down like they knew he’d gone. He had such presence; the bigger the crowd and the atmosphere, the better he was and the more he loved it.

“When I was sitting there with him at the end, it was a grey, cloudy day, then the clouds parted and the sun rays came through. I thought ‘If there is a heaven, that’s it’.

“His ashes are coming back on Monday and it will be good to have him home – and he will live on.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Grand National winner who cost £17,000 retires from racing aged 10

Lucy Elder — Fri, 17 May 2024 13:00:13 +0000

Grand National winner Corach Rambler has been retired “in excellent physical condition” after an exceptional career.

Connections hailed the 2023 Aintree hero as a “horse of a lifetime” for his seven-strong syndicate of owners, The Ramblers.

He bows out aged 10 after winning seven of his 18 starts under Rules and with a CV that also boasts back-to-back Cheltenham Festival victories, third place in the 2024 Gold Cup and more than £776,000 in prize money.

A statement from his trainer Lucinda Russell, partner Peter Scudamore, and The Ramblers said the decision is “laced with sadness” in some ways, but “also a joyous one”.

“Corach Rambler will always be a special horse for us, we owe him so much,” it said.

“More than anything we want him to go out at the top, in excellent physical condition and able to hopefully enjoy a long and happy retirement.

“Corach has had a massive influence on the fantastic run of success we are enjoying and influx of new horses and owners to our stable.

“His story has resonated with both racing fans and those people who take a casual interest in the sport.

“The fact he only cost £17,000 and mixed with and beat equine millionaires gave hope to any owner and trainer that they can compete no matter what their budget.”

Corach Rambler (pictured, left), on his way to victory in the 2023 Grand National. (Image credit: AFP via Getty Images)

The statement added that Corach also had a “special relationship” with jockey Derek Fox and “brought so much joy to all our staff here at Arlary”.

“Corach’s quirky character and his running style also endeared him to his fans,” it said.

“The first of his two wins in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival earned Derek awards for his daring last-to-first ride but even he would admit Corach was the star act.

“He will for ever be remembered for his Grand National victory but it should not be forgotten that he had an excellent record at Cheltenham. He raced there four times and his record is three wins, two at the Festival, and a third to Galopins Des Champs in last season’s Gold Cup.”

The statement said Corach “owes us nothing – we are in his debt”.

“To some our decision will be a surprise. Corach is only 10, he could have raced on. But we feel we have a great responsibility with a horse with his public following to do the best thing for him,” it added.

“His run in the Grand National in April did not work out as we all hoped. He unseated Derek at the first fence and then was unfortunately knocked over at the next fence when running loose.

“Maybe that frightened him a bit. We have said all along that he is one of the most intelligent horses we have ever trained and he never looked happy when we ran him at Punchestown last month.

“The big steeplechases next season will be contested by younger up-and-coming horses and we are not inclined to make Corach carry big weights in handicaps.

“Quite simply, we could not forgive ourselves if something happened to him.”

Corach will remain at Arlary, with a similar routine, and will become Peter’s hack, “pulling his arms out every day they go up the gallops”.

“He will also be able to pass on a few tips to the younger horses we hope will try to follow in his footsteps,” added the statement. “They all have a hard act to follow. Thank you, Corach.”

Do you have a favourite Grand National memory? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

Davy Russell on the new-look Grand National: ‘What a race – it was fantastic’

Davy Russell — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:30:50 +0000

Davy Russell is a three-time champion jockey in his native Ireland and a dual winner of the Grand National with Tiger Roll. He rode 25 winners at the Cheltenham Festival before he retired in 2023.

What a race we were treated to in this year’s Randox Grand National. There were no fallers, just four unseated jockeys, and the spectacle at the end, with so many horses coming through with a chance, was something I’ve never seen before. It was fantastic and your eye was drawn in so many directions.

It looked as if Rachael Blackmore was going to win it again, this time on Minella Indo, because you couldn’t see Paul Townend on I Am Maximus – he was almost hidden behind her. But next thing you know he’d pulled him out and off they went.

I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins, stood out to me as the horse that would benefit most from the recent changes to the fences, the smaller field size and the standing start introduced this year, and so it proved. Paul even said afterwards that the horse made a couple of slight errors early on but he had the time and space to get his confidence back, whereas in the old Grand National you’d have struggled to do that.

He had everything in his favour with the ground and he obviously stays, but credit too to his sire Authorized, because that’s his third Grand National win now after two with another of his offspring, Tiger Roll. He was standing in Turkey until recently, but is back in Ireland, so I expect he’ll be in high demand.

It was clear to see a high class of horse running in the race this year and the second (Delta Work), third (Minella Indo) and fourth (Galvin) were all placed in Gold Cups. The winner looks like he could go down the Gold Cup route next year. It would be a hell of a race if he does.

The cross-country race comes in for a bit of stick – not from me, I love it – but those three horses have also been cross-country contenders, proving its worth.

Of course, there’s been plenty of chat in the aftermath about the race being diluted and not the test it used to be, but you’re never going to please all the people all the time. Race organisers were in a no-win situation, but reacted positively and constructively to all the negative press from which they’ve come under fire over the past couple of years.

A feisty Tiger Roll

The legends parade started the day on a high – all the past winners looked healthy and well – but especially my former partner Tiger Roll, judging by the number of bucks he threw in! It’s always great to see these fantastic horses and it puts the whole day into perspective.

It was a marvellous meeting in general, the atmosphere was good and one of the best performances came from the Gordon Elliott-trained Brighterdaysahead with Jack Kennedy on board – she was very impressive. Her dam, Matnie, is amazing. She’s produced several Grade One winners in this filly, Caldwell Potter – who sadly missed Aintree this year – Mighty Potter, Indiana Jones and French Dynamite. Brighterdaysahead has always been very good, but green and backward and hard to get into gear, getting beaten at Cheltenham. But it was a mighty performance at Aintree.

The talking point coming out of the race is Willie Mullins going to the front in the British trainers’ championship – the last jumps trainer to achieve that was Vincent O’Brien 70 years ago, so what an unbelievable achievement that would be if he pulls that off. The next couple of weeks are going to be exciting.

● What do you think of the new-look Grand National and this year’s race? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 18 April

‘It’s what every young boy with a pony wants to do’: top jockey lands first Grand National win aboard ‘stable pet’

Lucy Elder — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 16:54:46 +0000

I Am Maximus powered to victory with a superb performance in the 2024 Randox Grand National, giving top jockey Paul Townend his first win in the Aintree showpiece.

The 7/1 joint-favourite, trained by Willie Mullins, showed a fierce turn of foot at the end of the 4m 2 1/2f test, blazing up the run-in to win by 7 ½ lengths.

“It was an unbelievable race and he’s an unbelievable horse,” said Paul, carrying the famous green and gold silks of JP McManus to their third Grand National success.

“The volume of horses just pushed me down over the first three and he got a little careful on the second circuit, but I was trying to conserve as much as I could as well.

“We didn’t get the clearest run from the second last to the last, but it kind of helped me – I felt that he was going to start motoring when he got into clear air, which he did.

“The ones in front of me, I’m sure they weren’t looking for me, but I had them well in my sights and I was hoping he’d respond as I thought he would.

“The Gold Cup is the Gold Cup and Grade Ones are hard to win, but Grand Nationals are a bit different and you need so much luck. I can’t believe it, I’m a lucky boy.

“It’s what every young boy with a pony wants to do.”

Mr Mullins, who is now at the business end of the mix for the British trainers’ championship title, said that the eight-year-old “never shows on the gallop that he is a champion”.

“He’s nearly a stable pet. If you saw him out in the field you wouldn’t pass any remark, but he’s obviously got an engine,” he said.

Winning owner Mr McManus added: “I love everything about the race. I love Liverpool, the excitement of coming here, the build-up to the race. It’s just a very special place among very special people.”

The Gordon Elliott-trained Delta Work, third here in 2022 and who unseated his jockey last year, added another Grand National podium finish to his CV by finishing second with Jack Kennedy.

The 2021 Gold Cup winner Minella Indo, ridden by record-breaking Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore and trained by Henry De Bromhead, was third.

Ronnie Bartlett’s Galvin, saddled by Mr Elliott, completed the Irish-trained one-two-three-four with Sam Ewing on board.

Kitty’s Light, ridden by Jack Tudor, was the highest-placed British finisher in fifth for trainer Christian Williams. British amateur owner/rider David Maxwell finished sixth, with Ain’t That A Shame – the horse he bought for this race, trained by Mr De Bromhead.

Last year’s winner Corach Rambler unseated Derek Fox at the first.

This was the first running of the race since changes were made following the 2023 edition. A total of 32 started, 21 finished, four jockeys were unseated and seven pulled up.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

A ‘surreal experience’: find out what it’s like to win the Grand National

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 07:30:51 +0000

On 8 April 2017, One For Arthur won the 170th running of the Grand National at Aintree Racecourse. He was ridden by Derek Fox, who had only just returned to the saddle after breaking his wrist and dislocating his collarbone on 9 March. The Lucinda Russell-trained gelding won by four-and-a-half lengths.

Lucinda, and her partner Peter Scudamore, who was eight-time champion jockey and now works alongside Lucinda as her assistant trainer, remembers the day One For Arthur – who died in March 2023 – galloped to victory at Aintree in episode 134 of The Horse & Hound Podcast.

“It was quite a surreal and wonderful thing,” says Lucinda of the day One For Arthur won the most famous race on the calendar. “I always said beforehand that winning the Grand National wouldn’t change my life, but I was absolutely wrong – it did change my life.”

Of One For Arthur’s preparation, Peter says: “He had been training well and the preparation had gone so well. When people asked me whether he was going to win, I said I didn’t know, but that he was in the form of his life, and that if he didn’t win that time, he would never win a Grand National as he wouldn’t have been good enough. But with some luck and the form he was going into the race in, we knew he stood a very good chance.”

When asked how they watched the race in 2017, Peter explains that it was slightly different for him, as his son Tom Scudamore also had a ride in the race.

“To start with, my son was in front and Arthur was behind and then, somewhere around the Canal Turn, they swapped and Arthur came through and I went from hoping my son was alright to cheering Arthur home – we watched him all the way.”

Tom’s children were watching too and asked their grandfather Peter, a very intriguing question.

“They were about eight and 10 years old at the time and they said ‘grumpy granddad’, because that’s what they call Peter,” laughs Lucinda, “‘…if Tom or Arthur wins, please can we have a pony?’ So we said of course, and we did end up buying them a pony!”

“I’m surprised some people still speak to me as I stupidly went up to one of the leading owners, who’s an absolute gentleman, and said to him ‘we won, we won, we won!’. He said ‘I know, I was second’,” laughs Peter.

Lucinda and Peter have another good chance of victory in the form of their 2023 Grand National winner Corach Rambler, who is likely to go off as favourite in this year’s race.

“Winning with Arthur in 2017 was a brilliant and I’ll never forget it,” says Lucinda. “The whole wind up to it, arriving there, everything – it was just wonderful.”

To hear Lucinda and Peter talking more about the Grand National, One For Arthur and their Cheltenham Festival success in 2023, tune in to episode 134 of The Horse & Hound Podcast – listen here or search “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your favourite podcast app.

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One For Arthur ridden by jockey Derek Fox jumps the last on the way to winning the Randox Health Grand National on Grand National Day of the Randox Health Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse. (Image credit: PA)

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Tiger Roll, Silver Birch and Lady Buttons among retired stars to delight fans at Grand National Festival

Lucy Elder — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:40:58 +0000

Six former Grand National winners will hear the roar of the crowd again as they return to Aintree this week.

Dual winner Tiger Roll (winner 2018 and 2019), Minella Times (2021), plus senior veterans 21-year-old Pineau De Re (2014), 21-year-old Neptune Collonges (2012), Mon Mome (2009), now aged 24, and 27-year-old Silver Birch (2007) will be among those taking part in the legends parade before racing on the day of the Randox Health Grand National (Saturday, 13 April).

Those heading to the Randox Grand National Festival on Friday (12 April) will also have the chance to see a bevy of other former racing stars in the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parade. This will take place at 12.40pm and features eight horses, who are all excelling in their post-racing careers.

These include 2017 Becher Chase winner Blaklion, who had four Grand National starts and is now turning his skills to showing, fun rides, hunting and hunt races. Popular mare Lady Buttons, formerly trained by Philip Kirby, joined her exercise rider Jenny Durrans in retirement. She had a successful first debut season in the showing arena and will target eventing this season.

Others taking part in Friday’s parade include the former Willie Mullins-trained duo of Kemboy and Melon, plus Duke Of Navan, Touch Of Faith, Peveril Point and Master Wickham.

“Our thanks to Aintree racecourse and The Jockey Club for giving us the opportunity to put together such a great line-up of former racehorses to parade for the Aintree crowd,” said RoR director David Catlow.

“RoR parades are designed to educate racegoers whilst offering them a chance to witness first-hand the variety of different second career options open to racehorses once they retire from racing.

“They also highlight the need for further support and resources, as set out in the RoR Strategy 2024-2026, to ensure that we are able to safeguard the wellbeing of all former racehorses.”

Can Corach Rambler win back-to-back Grand Nationals? Meet the 2024 favourite

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 12:00:19 +0000

The 2023 Grand National winner Corach Rambler is “king of the castle” at home, but what makes this horse tick and, after finishing third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month, will he be able to join the elite few who have achieved back-t0-back wins in the great race at Aintree?

Corach Rambler key facts

Age: 10

Breeding: by Jeremy out of Heart N Hope (by Fourstars Allstar)

Jockey: Derek Fox

Owners: The Ramblers syndicate

Breeder/part-owner: Paul Hillis

Trainer: Lucinda Russell

Corach Rambler’s greatest achievements

Won Ultima Handicap Chase, Cheltenham Festival, 2022; won Randox Grand National, Aintree, and Ultima Handicap Chase, Cheltenham Festival, 2023; third in Cheltenham Gold Cup, 2024. Winner of two further chases and two novice hurdles.

His groom’s thoughts

Groom Lori Walsh says: “Corach is a big character. If it’s raining, he tries to bite you before you ride him, but once he’s out of the stable he’s happier. He loves attention, he has grown in confidence and he’s now king of the castle.

“At the races, he knows where the cameras are and he pricks his ears. But his stable is his space and he prefers to be left alone. He gets nannied up to go out in the field daily with his old companion Kez. He loves a good roll and getting covered in mud.

“I find it nerve-racking watching him racing, but I’m glad I’m not Scu [Peter Scudamore] – he feels it more than anyone. Winning the National was insane – Corach was in his element and loved every minute.”

His jockey’s opinion

Jockey Derek Fox says: “Corach is very intelligent, he’s very clever at jumping and in big fields he’s good at getting out of the way. But he’s also smart enough not to do too much when you hit the front – he likes to have something to aim at. In last year’s Grand National I got in front too soon really and he idled up the run-in. I got a quick glimpse at the screen and I couldn’t see anyone coming at me, so I was able to push him out hands and heels and he won well in the end.

“He’s a beautiful horse to work with at home – he’s ultra-friendly and quiet. It’s important that a horse has a good work rider and Scu riding him out most days makes a huge difference. It’s a privilege to have him around.”

His trainer’s viewpoint

Trainer Lucinda Russell says: “It was quite a military plan when we won the Grand National with One For Arthur, but Corach is a different horse and he’s kept on surprising us. He was cheaper, he was bought just after lockdown and at first I thought he was going to be no more than a point-to-pointer, so it was a bonus when he won his novice hurdles. Then he won his first chase at Aintree, where he remains unbeaten. When we first schooled him over an imitation National fence, he immediately understood how to do it. Scu adores Corach and Derek’s timing to win the National was perfect.”

His owner’s story

“Corach has such a distinctive face and I think the whole country has taken to him, he’s become a real star. Even the checkout lady at Tesco recognised me after Aintree. He’s brought us so much happiness and won far more than we could ever expect. To win the Grand National again would be really special, but just once was dreamland.”

‘Outstanding’ hospital specialist who brings comfort to sick children through play to be honoured at Aintree

Lucy Elder — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:30:29 +0000

A hospital specialist who helps comfort sick children through play will be recognised for her “outstanding work” by being named as the honorary 35th runner in the 2024 Randox Grand National this Saturday (13 April).

Amanda Walker, a play specialist in the A&E department at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, helps children during their time there. This can be through play or by providing them with toys and equipment such as iPads and VR headsets

If a patient needs further treatment, for example a scan or a blood test, she will help demonstrate the step-by-step process by using dolls, example medical equipment and storyboards, to help them feel relaxed and reassured.

“I love the job because you’re always a friend to someone,” said Amanda. “You can see a child who comes in so scared, and they can leave so relieved and happy, and being a part of that is great.

“When we’re speaking to the patients and their families, everyone is so worried and they don’t know what’s going to happen next, so to be able to make their experience a bit more pleasurable and make them feel a bit more reassured is what this job is all about.”

Amanda’s career has always revolved around caring for children, including working as a nursery nurse, as a nanny, and in a school before studying for her play specialist qualification.

She will be joined by other members of the play specialist department from the hospital as guests at this year’s Randox Grand National Festival.

“I’ve got my hat ready! I’m very excited to be attending and am really looking forward to it, as well as being very proud to represent Alder Hey. A big thank you to Jockey Club for the opportunity, and for the support they’ve shown us throughout the years,” she said.

Alder Hey has a 22-year association with Aintree racecourse. The final race on ladies’ day (Friday, 12 April) will be run as the Alder Hey Handicap Hurdle and the racecourse will also be handing out 110 complimentary tickets to Alder Hey for each day of the festival.

The annual visit of jockeys to the hospital will take place on Friday morning and will include 2021 Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore, Patrick Mullins, Harry Skelton and the now 23-year-old former winning horse Neptune Collonges.

Dickon White, The Jockey Club’s regional director for Aintree racecourse and the northwest, said: “Aintree’s relationship with Alder Hey is an extremely close one which now stretches back over two decades.

“We are delighted to strengthen it even further by naming Amanda Walker as the honorary 35th runner in the 2024 Randox Grand National in recognition of her outstanding work as a play specialist.

“It is also tremendous news that a race will be run in Alder Hey’s name on ladies’ day, following on from the ever-popular visit by jockeys to the hospital in the morning.”

Champion turns professional to train family home-bred horse for Grand National

Lucy Elder — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 19:28:53 +0000

Champion point-to-point handler Tom Ellis is taking out his professional training licence for the “fairytale” opportunity to train home-bred stable star Latenightpass for the Grand National.

The diminutive 11-year-old gelding, owned and bred by Tom’s mother Pippa Ellis, will be ridden in the iconic race by regular jockey – 10-time point-to-point ladies’ champion Gina Andrews, Tom’s wife.

Latenightpass, who is known as “Bobby”, has won over the National fences, when Gina piloted him to victory in the 2022 Foxhunters. This season, he went into training under Rules with Dan Skelton, Tom’s best friend, and has had success in cross-country races at Cheltenham as part of his road to Aintree, finishing second in November and winning in December.

Latenightpass and Gina Andrews on their way to winning the 2022 Foxhunters at Aintree. (Image credit: Alamy stock photo)

Tom told H&H that taking out his licence is something he and Gina had discussed, and he was going to get the training programme modules done to give them options further down the line. But when Latenightpass ran so well at Cheltenham, the possibility of saddling him in the Grand National brought those plans forwards.

On the yard, the change means Gina will oversee the point-to-pointers, while Tom moves to training the horses running under Rules.

“I’m feeling excited, apprehensive and nervous – the whole lot, really!” said Tom, who has one module left to complete before he moves to the professional ranks. “It’s a step into the professional world.”

He added: “I can’t wait and feel very lucky to have a horse like Latenightpass. It’s a complete fairy tale and hard to comprehend. It’s very special to have him.

“When I started being involved with horses and with racing, you were pleased if you had a horse in the frame, then you were pleased if you had a winner – expectations keep moving, don’t they?

“I feel we’ve achieved quite a bit in a relatively short space of time in point-to-pointing. It’s taught us everything we know, and a hell of a lot more.”

In January 2022, Gina became Britain’s winningmost lady rider, while Tom also smashed the record for the most winners trained in a season. He has been crowned champion point-to-point trainer for the past five seasons.

Their journey with Latenightpass is extra special. This “eccentric” little horse was bred almost by accident. His dam, Latenightdip, won three times with Tom in the saddle. In 2011, she sustained a career-ending injury, so the family decided to put her in foal to Passing Glance. The result was “Bobby”, who was born on 3 April 2013 in sight of where he is now trained – hours before Tom had his first, and only, ride in the Aintree Foxhunters, finishing third.

He wasn’t an instant star – it famously took him six starts to break his maiden between the flags – but then once it clicked, he was away. Gina revealed in a 2022 H&H interview that he is a vocal character at home and will shout until he is ridden in the morning.

Tom said: “If he were human, he would be very eccentric, quite hyperactive, very happy to be out and would want to say ‘hi’ to everyone. He is just a lovely person. My niece is six years old and she can lead him round the yard after he has schooled, he’s a legend.”

To have had Dan as part of this horse’s journey is special too.

“We were at school together, about a mile from where I am now,” said Tom. “We’re great mates and it’s been fantastic to watch his career progress and flourish. We spent a lot of time together as kids and would skive off school in the afternoons to come back and ride my pointers and nip off to Cheltenham whenever that was on!”

He added: “It’s been really nice to start this fairy tale with him; without Dan’s help, none of this would have been possible and I’ll be for ever grateful as he didn’t have to [have the horse in training] and I owe him an awful lot.”

Latenightpass will carry 10st6lb in the 2024 Randox Health Grand National (13 April) and is around 33/1 in the current betting market.

Why Grand National hero Noble Yeats has ‘changed direction’ at the Cheltenham Festival

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 16:30:34 +0000

Irish trainer Emmet Mullins’ decision to enter the 2022 Grand National hero Noble Yeats for the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival (12-15 March) could prove a very shrewd move.

“Noble Yeats is bouncing,” says the County Carlow trainer. “He definitely improved a lot between his run at Limerick over Christmas, which he needed [finishing second to uncle Willie Mullins’ Sa Majeste], and the Cleeve Hurdle [at Cheltenham in January, which he won, beating Paisley Park]. Noble Yeats should come on again and it was good to see him win the Cleeve.”

Noble Yeats: “We have changed direction”

At the time of writing, Noble Yeats is an 8/1 fourth favourite for Thursday’s Grade One Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle. The market is headed by two Gordon Elliott runners, Teahupoo and Irish Point – who also holds an entry for the Champion Hurdle.

Noble Yeats will be taking in the Stayers’ Hurdle en route to a third tilt at the Randox Grand National. Robert Waley-Cohen’s gelding won the Aintree spectacle in 2022 with son Sam Waley-Cohen on board and in 2023 he and jockey Sean Bowen finished fourth behind victor Corach Rambler after also finishing fourth to Galopin Des Champs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

“Not as demanding as the Gold Cup”

“The Stayers’ Hurdle was always the plan this year,” says Emmet. “Noble Yeats came in late after his busy campaign last spring and I said to Robert Waley-Cohen back in October that we were put in our place in the Gold Cup last season and I couldn’t see a way past those horses this time, so we have changed direction. Although I’m not saying he’d win it, he can hopefully run a big race.

“The Stayers’ Hurdle is a target in its own right and won’t be as demanding as the Gold Cup.”

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‘You could travel the world to find a horse like him’: meet the £800 bargain bidding for Gold Cup and Grand National glory

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 16:30:32 +0000

Irish racehorse trainer John “Shark” Hanlon is riding the crest of a mighty wave with £800 purchase Hewick. The diminutive gelding has won more than £600,000 in prize money, including winning the American Grand National and most recently triumphing in the Grade One King George VI Chase at Kempton Park.

Next on the agenda is a crack at racing’s Blue Riband event, the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, before all roads lead to Aintree for the Randox Grand National.

“You could travel the world to get a horse like him and the lad came from only five minutes down the road,” says Shark, who says Hewick’s small stature may have put off potential purchasers at his local Goresbridge sales. But after Shark’s intended purchase was a no-show, something about Hewick caught his eye, knowing nothing about him or his pedigree. “You never know where your next bargain is going to show up – and I like bargains!

“Every day you buy a horse you’re hoping that he’s the one, that he’s better than what’s on the card or you can improve his farm. But it’s getting harder.”

The Shark Hanlon-trained Hewick in action on the gallops at home under Shark’s 16-year-old son Paddy Hanlon. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Hewick – “The biggest legend of all time and our pet”

The now nine-year-old gelding was bought for the knock-down price for owner TJ McDonald and Shark’s 16-year-old son Paddy now looks after the stable superstar.

“He was a bit wilder when he was younger so I took over when he was a five-year-old,” Paddy tells H&H. “As a four-year-old he wasn’t going that great – he had no luck point-to-pointing [his form figures read UR, F, F] or even when he went over hurdles. But it all just clicked one day and he’s been on an upper ever since. When he won Sedgefield over 3m5f in 2021, we realised we had something special – we had a Grand National horse on our hands.

“He’s the biggest legend of all time. He’s our lad and our pet.”

Hewick stays all day and is one of the “most chilled” horses on the yard, standing happily with his stable door wide open to greet his visitors on the day we visit, later enjoying a good roll in the mud with his field companion.

“A few horses would knock you down if you left his door open, he’s just one of those horses you can do what you like with him, go where you like with him – he has a great temperament and travelling doesn’t bother him so we probably won’t go to Cheltenham until Wednesday,” reveals County Carlow-based Shark.

Hewick’s target is Friday’s Gold Cup and the team are hoping their “tough as nails” yard hero fares better than his fall two fences from home in last year’s race when he looked in with a chance of victory under jockey Jordan Gainford.

“After Cheltenham, there is the English Grand National, then it will be back to America,” says the trainer. “There was also a race in Australia I was considering, but there are no flights which fit in with the two weeks’ quarantine, so he won’t be able to go this year. But the big plan remains to go to Australia with him.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Having a horse like him gives us such a buzz,” says the trainer. “Hewick is such a talking horse, he’s everyone’s horse and everyone loves him, no matter where you go, everyone knows and wants to talk about Hewick. There’s a buzz everywhere – I was in the local town yesterday and they were all wishing us well for Cheltenham. But had he been at Willie Mullins, he wouldn’t have been seen because he’d be only one of a big number. Willie has a lot better horses than Hewick, but there’s not nearly so much buzz about them.”

Hewick “hits a flat spot then always comes back on the bridle”

“But the buzz of winning in America was unreal. The race after ours was delayed by about 25 minutes because of all the celebrations. Then it was absolutely brilliant to win the King George. I knew before we left that there was going to be some serious pace in the race because it had six runners, five of whom were front runners, and in races like that they often end up cutting each other’s throats. I said to jockey Gavin Sheehan that going down the back you might feel like he’s beaten, but don’t stop riding him, your last two furlongs are going to be your best two furlongs and that’s exactly what happened. Similarly, when Rachael Blackmore won on him at Sandown, she said, ‘You were right Shark – I thought he was well beat’, but he just comes back on the bridle.

“The one thing about our lad is you can make the running, you can sit in second or you can sit in last, it doesn’t matter,” says Shark, revealing that the son of Virtual is “in really good form” in the run-up to the Cheltenham Festival next month (12-15 March).

“He had a small cut on his leg before he came back in this season and we only had seven weeks before Kempton so I was afraid he wasn’t going to be fit enough,” explains Shark. “But he is not a huge horse who needs a lot of galloping – a couple of gallops puts our lad right and he is easy enough to keep sound.

“The ground is most important for him – he doesn’t want soft ground. Galopin Des Champs is obviously a very good horse but I’d love to meet him on proper good ground. Maybe if he’s as good as he is, he’ll win, but maybe he’s not as good on heavy ground. But every horse in the race is there to be looked at – it is always going to be a good race.”

“He’s small but he’s mighty – hopefully I’ll get a spin on him one day”

Paddy describes the feeling of his “powerful stride” when you’re riding Hewick.

“He’s small but he’s mighty, he’s come back stronger than ever and he’s fresh and happy in himself,”says the teenager, who has to wait for his 17th birthday in May before he can ride over jumps in Ireland, but has already ridden a winner for his father in England.

“Hopefully I can get a spin on Hewick one day. I learn from Dad every day – I’m tall so I’m not going to be a jumps jockey forever, so eventually I’d love to be a trainer. Hewick turned him from rags to riches and I hope he gets more horses. Four-year-old Silver Pageant is one we think very highly of – she’s doing everything right at home anyway, so hopefully she’ll be good for us when she races.”

Shark never ducks away from a challenge, travelling all over the world with his stable celebrity, but facing the might of the likes of Willie Mullins often feels like a David versus Goliath situation.

“It’s a tough game for smaller trainers and I think HRI [Horse Racing Ireland] need to open their eyes,” he says. “There should be more races for smaller trainers – maybe races for trainers who haven’t trained more than 10 winners, or 20 winners, or 30 winners and so on.

“I speak to my owners every day and some of them don’t even want a runner on a Sunday because they’ll come up against Willie winning all the races, so they’d rather have one in Thurles or Clonmel where they’d have more chance.

“At the Dublin Racing Festival there was more excitement in the two big handicaps than there were in all the Grade Ones. The Grade Ones and Grade Twos are lovely but they’re all about three or four people. HRI need to look beyond that to work out how they’re going to get people back to racing. That’s nothing against Willie or Gordon Elliott or anyone. But the smaller people have to be looked after, because without them you’re going to have races every weekend with five runners and people will quickly get bored.

“If it wasn’t for the cost of getting the horses from Ireland to England, I’d be racing in England every week – you can say I’m running away from Willie, I don’t care! But you have a better chance because you have a bigger area, more suitable races and lower grade races.”

Hewick will carry top weight for the Randox Grand National

Hewick has been allocated top weight of 11st 12lb for this year’s Randox Grand National on 13 April, where he bids to become the first horse since Golden Miller in 1934 to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National in the same season, which, with a cyclical four-week gap rather than three between the two races this year, makes for a prime opportunity.

“He probably deserves top weight,” says Shark. “I think the trip will suit him. He’s going for the Gold Cup first and please God he comes out of the Gold Cup safe and if he does he’ll definitely head to Aintree.

“He won the Galway Plate off nearly top weight, he won the bet365 Oaksey Chase at Sandown Park off a big weight. It’s not that he’s not used to carrying top weight and he carries it very well.

“It’s a mighty day. It’s one of those days you look forward to all year. The National, the Gold Cup and the King George at Kempton – they’re the three big days in England aren’t they, so it’s great to have a runner there.”

Fairytale winner among Grand National entries for 2024

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 12:12:40 +0000

The Grand National entries for the 2024 race, which takes place at Aintree Racecourse on 13 April, have been announced.

Among the 94 entries is 2023 Grand National winner Corach Rambler, trained by Lucinda Russell and owned by The Ramblers.

Noble Yeats, who won in 2022 and finished fourth last year, is also engaged again as is Vanillier, the runner-up 12 months ago.

There is a 26-strong entry from Irish trainer Gordon Elliott, which beats the record total of 22 he put in the Grand National in 2019. He has won the race three times; once with Silver Birch and twice with Tiger Roll.

The total number of horses accepted to run in the Grand National has been reduced from 40 to 34 for 2024, and the final runners will be confirmed 48 hours before the race, which starts at a revised time of 4pm, moved from the later 5.15pm off time, which had been in place since 2016.

Of the 94 Grand National entries, 61 are Irish-trained, which beats the previous highest number of 54, set last year when Ireland provided 25 of the 39 runners on the day.

The deadline for trainers to enter their horses was on 6 February and the next staging post is 20 February, when the British Horseracing Authority will announce the weight that each horse will be required to carry in the race.

Grand National entries for 2024

Adamantly Chosen (IRE), seven years old, owned by the Watch This Space Syndicate and trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Ain’t That A Shame (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Robcour, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Amirite (IRE), eight years old, owned by Patrick Hale, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Angels Dawn (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr Alfred Sweetnam, trained by S. Curling (Ireland).

Annual Invictus (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr Thomas Michael Smith, trained by Chris Gordon.

Ashtown Lad (IRE), 10 year sold, owned by Darren & Annaley Yates, trained by Dan Skelton.

Ash Tree Meadow (FR), eight years old, owned by Alymer Stud Ltd, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Asterion Forlonge (FR), 10 years old, owned by Mrs J. Donnelly, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Battleoverdoyen (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Pioneer Racing, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Bronn (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Busselton (FR), seven years old, owned by Mr Michael Hilary Burke, trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien (Ireland).

Capodanno (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Celebre d’Allen (FR), 12 years old, owned by Mr Allan Stennett, trained by Philip Hobbs & Johnson White.

Cepage (FR), 12 years old, owned by The Bellamy Partnership, trained by Venetia Williams.

Chambard (FR), 12 years old, owned by David & Carol Shaw, trained by Venetia Williams.

Chemical Energy (IRE), eight years old, owned by Bective Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Classic Getaway (IRE), eight years old, owned by Cheveley Park Stud, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Coko Beach (FR), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Conflated (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Corach Rambler (IRE), 10 years old, owned by The Ramblers, trained by Lucinda Russell.

Delta Work (FR), 11 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Desertmore House (IRE), nine years old, owned by O.B.P Carroll/Anthony Vaughan, trained by Martin Brassil (Ireland).

Diol Ker (FR), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Dunboyne (IRE), nine years old, owned by S.P O’Connor, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Dusart (IRE), nine years old, owned by Bartlett & Carthy, trained by Nicky Henderson.

Eklat de Rire (FR), 10 years old, owned by Mr P. Davies, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Eldorado Allen (FR), 10 years old, owned by J P Romans & Terry Warner, trained by Joe Tizzard.

Embittered (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Empire Steel (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Alan Wight, trained by Sandy Thomson.

Fakiera (FR), nine years old, owned by Mrs Martina Griffin, trained by Eoin Griffin (Ireland).

Fakir d’Alene (FR), nine years old, owned by Bective Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Fakir d’Oudairies (FR), nine years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien (Ireland).

Famous Bridge (IRE), eight years old, owned by Hemmings Racing, trained by Nicky Richards.

Fantastic Lady (FR), nine years old, owned by Mr E. R Hanbury, trained by Nicky Henderson.

Farouk d’Alene (FR), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Favori de Champdou (FR), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Fiddlerontheroof (IRE), 10 years old, owned by The Minions, trained by Jim Boyle.

Foxy Jacks (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Ms Rachel Carthy, trained by M. F Morris (Ireland).

Frontal Assault (IRE), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Full Back (FR), nine years old, owned by Mr Ashley Head, trained by Gary Moore.

Fury Road (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Sierra Pacific & Pioneer Racing, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Galia des Liteaux (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr Michael Ariss, trained by Dan Skelton.

Galvin (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mr R. A Bartlett, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Gevrey (FR), eight years old, owned by Denis Gallagher Racing, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Glengouly (FR), eight years old, owned by Roaringwater Syndicate, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Good Boy Bobby (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Dash Grange Stud, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies.

Hewick (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr T. J McDonald, trained by John Joseph Hanlon (Ireland).

Highland Hunter (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Nic Brereton & Lindsey Brennan, trained by Fergal O’Brien.

I Am Maximus (FR), eight years ole, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Iron Bridge (IRE), eight years old, owned by Hemmings Racing, trained by Jonjo O’Neill.

Its On The Line (IRE), seven years old, owned by C. C. R. Racing Syndicate, trained by Emmet Mullins (Ireland).

James du Berlais (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Janidil (FR), 10 years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Kinondo Kwetu, eight years old, owned by Gunalt Partnership, trained by Sam England.

Kitty’s Light, eight years old, owned by R J Bedford & All Stars Sports Racing, trained by Christian Williams.

Latenightpass, 11 years old, owned by Mrs P. A. Ellis, trained by Dan Skelton.

Le Milos, nine years old, owned by The Jolly Good Partnership, trained by Dan Skelton.

Letsbeclearaboutit (IRE), nine years old, owned by Alymer Stud Ltd, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Limerick Lace (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Longhouse Poet (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Sean & Bernardine Mulryan, trained by Martin Brassil (Ireland).

Macs Charm (IRE), nine years old, owned by Macs Charm Syndicate, trained by Colm A. Murphy (Ireland).

Mac Tottie, 11 years old, owned by Steve & Jackie Fleetham, trained by Peter Bowen.

Mahler Mission (IRE), eight years old, owned by Colm Herron & Rockview Racing Syndicate, trained by John McConnell (Ireland).

Malina Girl (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mrs J. M. Russell, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Meetingofthewaters (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr P. Byrne, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Minella Crooner (IRE), eight years ole, owned by KTDA Racing/Nick Courtney/Cillian Moran, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Minella Indo (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Mr Barry Maloney, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Minella Trump (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mr T. G. Leslie, trained by Donald McCain.

Mister Coffey (FR), nine years old, owned by Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford, trained by Nicky Henderson.

Monbeg Genius (IRE), eight years old, owned by Barrowman Racing Limited, trained by Jonjo O’Neill.

Moroder (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mrs Ann Leftley, trained by Seamus Mullins.

Mr Incredible (IRE), eight years old, owned by Paul Byrne & J. Carthy, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Nassalam (FR), seven years old, owned by John and Yvonne Stone, trained by Gary Moore.

Noble Yeats (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr Robert Waley-Cohen, trained by Emmet Mullins (Ireland).

Ontheropes (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Cheveley Park Stud, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Panda Boy (IRE), eight years old, owned by Old Pals Partnership, trained by Martin Brassil (Ireland).

Placenet (FR), seven years old, owned by Prof C Tisdall & G Thompson, trained by David Pipe.

Revels Hill (IRE), nine years old, owned by Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates-Revels Hil, trained by Harry Fry.

Riaan (IRE), seven years old, owned by Philip J. Reynolds, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Roi Mage (FR), 12 years old, owned by Pryde/Van Der Hoeven/McGladery/Beaumont, trained by Patrick Griffin (Ireland).

Royal Thief (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Run Wild Fred (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Sail Away (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr and Mrs J. D. Cotton, trained by Dan Skelton.

Salvador Ziggy (IRE), eight years old, owned by William Hurley/Mrs Aisling Hurley, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Samcro (IRE), 12 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Shakem Up’arry (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mr Harry Redknapp, trained by Ben Pauling.

So des Flos (FR), seven years old, trained Mr David Lestrange, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Stattler (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr R. A. Bartlett, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

The Goffer (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr Allan Snow, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Threeunderthrufive (IRE), nine years old, owned by the McNeill Family, trained by Paul Nicholls.

Tommie Beau (IRE), nine years old, owned by Simon & Christine Prout, trained by Seamus Mullins.

Tullybeg (IRE), nine years old, owned by Bective Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Vanillier (FR), nine years old, owned by Mrs H. M. Keaveney, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Where It All Began (IRE), eight years old, owned by Patrick & Scott Bryceland, and the McNeill Family, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

New start time for Grand National confirmed among safety improvements

Lucy Elder — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:50:15 +0000

The start time for the 2024 Randox Grand National (13 April) has been brought forward to 4pm following a review of last year’s race.

The Jockey Club, which owns and manages Aintree racecourse, revealed a number of changes to the iconic race in October. These included a new start time, which was to be confirmed following discussions with ITV.

What time does the Grand National start?

In recent years, the race has been scheduled for 5.15pm, but it will be brought forward to 4pm in a move to reduce “heightened tension” and ensure the best ground conditions.

“We leave no stone unturned in providing world-class standards of welfare for our participants and undertake a review after every Randox Grand National,” said Suleka Varma, Aintree’s clerk of the course and The Jockey Club’s northwest head of racing.

“These reviews look at a wide range of factors, and the learnings from the process drive a number of changes, large and small, annually. In October we announced that one of the changes being made from 2024 would involve bringing forward the start time of the race, which has been 5.15pm since 2016.

“This was a decision we took after a number of participants and other racing stakeholders raised concerns about the long build-up to the race throughout the day and heightened tension as a result. These were not issues which had been identified as a problem when the race was previously staged at 3.45pm and 4.15pm.”

She added: “Bringing forward the start time of the Randox Grand National by 75 minutes to 4pm will also help us to maintain optimal jumping ground, as warm or breezy conditions can dry out the racing surface.

“We would like to thank both our broadcast partner ITV and the British Horseracing Authority for their assistance in helping to bring about this change to a race which remains a British institution, loved and watched by millions of people all over the world every year.”

Other modifications to Aintree showpiece include a reduction in the maximum number of starters from 40 to 34, moving the first fence closer to the start, an increase in minimum ratings for horses and a standing start.

A total of 94 horses have been entered for the 2024 race. Weights will be announced on 20 February.

Why treating horses like horses, not ‘like kings’, is vital for equestrian sport’s future

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 20:21:51 +0000

Changing the way we talk about equine welfare – and treating horses like horses rather than “like kings” – may not only improve it, but also protect our sport for the future.

This was the conclusion of a study on what was said after welfare campaigners gained access to the racecourse before the 2023 Grand National. The paper, published in Animals, investigated how what was said could affect public acceptance of involvement of horses in sport.

Gemma Pearson, an equine vet, behaviour specialist and racing fan, told H&H the paper “wasn’t an easy one to write”.

The study focused on the commentary from the racing industry; its main message is that although protestors Animal Rising’s aim was to prevent a horse suffering a fatal injury in the race, in the main, pro-racing figures concentrated on the way horses are treated when not racing.

It cites a radio debate two days after the race, in which Animal Rising and representatives of racing featured. But despite the campaigners’ repeating the risks to horses in racing, and public contributors echoing this, “racing’s representatives were once again reluctant to address Animal Rising’s main point”.

She compared the issue to some in general horse sport – experts have reiterated before that most of the public sees no difference between the disciplines – such as if a horse is eliminated for blood.

“The commentator might try to manage it by saying, ‘Horses have such thin skin… a tiny glance of the spur,’ but that’s not right to say,” she said. “Then people ask, ‘Surely they’re not allowed to wear sharp spurs?’ They’d be better to say, ‘Feel sorry for the rider, but that’s a lesson learned; that’s excessive spur use.’ Transparency is very important.”

Dr Pearson said the future of equestrian sport depends on whether the public trusts the industry to safeguard horse welfare.

“If they don’t, they’ll insist it’s regulated, which would probably be by people who don’t understand horse sport and welfare,” she said. “We’ve got to say the right things, and prove it, and then the spotlight comes off.”

She cited the difference between zoos and circuses; the latter has largely lost public acceptance, but the former has kept it by shifting focus to conservation and education.

“Times change and people think they can push back and stop the change, but actually they accelerate it,” she said.

Another example is McDonald’s, which came under fire from campaigners about animal welfare. Instead of trying to quash the protests, the company engaged independent welfare assessors and invested in training, showed they had done so, and “as soon as they did that, no one was interested in what the protestors said”.

“We need to be willing to look at research,” she said. “There was a tendency to say, ‘I’ve been around horses all my life; I know everything.’ People feel threatened, then tend to push away the threat rather than deal with it.”

Dr Pearson added that the public “understands it is impossible to completely eliminate risk in sport” but does want to know the industry cares about and is doing all possible to minimise it.

“The aim of the paper wasn’t to upset people,” she said. “But as a vet who works on racecourses, I want racing to continue. I hope this will help the industry.”

World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers told H&H the paper is a “constructive contribution to discussions on how racing – indeed all of horse sport – can evolve the way they communicate to maintain public acceptance”, and that there are two “especially pertinent” points.

“Firstly, when responding to public concerns, these need to be acknowledged directly, including what is being done to address them,” he said. “This will help build trust. Public anxiety about risk of injury and fatality in racing will not be assuaged by assurances that a racehorse has a high quality of life off the track.

“Secondly, beware of the mantra that racehorses are ‘treated like kings’. The public already expects that they receive the highest level of care. And we know that for horses to have a good quality of life, they do not need to be treated like kings – they need to be treated like horses. This means ensuring their mental wellbeing, as well as physical welfare, including plenty of access to turnout and forage, and the ability to socialise with other horses.

“We hope this paper provokes thought and will help develop how the media, horse sport and the racing community communicate about the benefits and challenges within this most visible demonstration of the inspirational horse-human relationship.”

H&H has approached the British Horseracing Authority for comment.

‘If I can inspire someone today, that’s wonderful’: amateur becomes first female jockey to win Aintree’s Becher Chase

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 18:17:32 +0000

Amateur National Hunt jockey Lucy Turner, 30, made history at Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside, on Saturday (9 December) as the first female jockey to win the BoyleSports Becher Handicap Chase over the world-famous Grand National fences.

Lucy has worked at Venetia Williams’ Herefordshire stables since she left school – her father worked there before her – and she triumphed on the yard’s 18/1 shot Chambard, an 11-year-old gelding owned by David and Carol Shaw. The yard favourite often races with his teeth out looking like a big grin, and this was his fifth win over fences since Lucy took the reins at the start of last year.

One of Lucy’s career highlights was winning the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival last year on the same brilliant horse.

However, this was their first attempt at Aintree’s unique obstacles together and the pair quickly found a beautiful rhythm and looked to be loving the experience. They lobbed along with the front runners for much of the 3m2f race, effortlessly clearing the famous Grand National jumps including Becher’s Brook, Foinavon and The Chair.

When the underfoot conditions, combined with driving wind and rain, started to take is toll on much of the field – only five of the 12 starters crossed the line, separated by 137 lengths – Lucy and the son of Gris De Gris took up the running and soared across the line some 13 lengths clear of their nearest challenger, the Gordon Elliott-trained top weight Coko Beach, with Danny Gilligan in the saddle.

Finishing third was Percussion for trainer Laura Morgan and jockey Harry Reed, while the champion jockey Brian Hughes finished fourth on Celebre D’Allen for trainers Philip Hobbs and Johnson White.

Winning the Becher Chase “means the world”

Lucy’s sheer delight at winning the prestigious Becher Chase was clear to see.

“Chambard has been fantastic for me, and I am so pleased for owners David and Carol Shaw, who have been great supporters of mine over the last few years, so it is nice to get another big one for them. He hasn’t jumped these fences before, so we said we’d see how he takes to them, but that was the best spin I’ve ever had round there and he just loved it and kept galloping,” she said.

“As soon as they came to him, he quickened again. I could hear the others coming, but he’d gone again, and at the last he was like a fresh horse.

“I’ve always wanted to ride a winner over these fences, so to do it on him means the world. It was a bit hard trying to see coming into the home straight with all the rain coming down and the headwind, but he was a total professional. I think he surprises people; they think, ‘Can he go and do that?’ but then he shows them he can. I thought the way he jumped round Cheltenham last time, if he jumped like that round here he’d be absolutely fine, and as soon as he was over the first couple I knew he was loving it.”

Cheshire-based owner David Shaw said: “We’ve been lucky enough to have a few winners with Venetia – we thought Cheltenham was the pinnacle, but this gets pretty close to that. We love having Lucy on board!”

Lucy said she had a moment of disbelief, even after crossing the line.

“In the final furlong you just want to keep kicking until you are over the line, but I had a little look at the big screen and I could see we were clear,” she said. “After the line, I was thinking, ‘Has that actually just happened?’”

Lucy described the win as “probably the best day I’ve ever had in racing” and the Randox Grand National itself could be the target in April.

“Aintree is such a marvellous place, so to have a winner here is fantastic,” she said. “April is a long way away and we will think about that when the time comes, but this is a dream.

“If I can inspire someone from the next generation by winning here today, that’s wonderful.”

Reduction in number of horses for 2024 Grand National: ‘Welfare is our number one priority’

Lucy Elder — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:09:46 +0000

The Grand National field size will be reduced to a maximum of 34 runners and the first fence moved closer to the start in 2024 as part of changes designed to improve safety.

The decisions follow an evidence-based review by Aintree racecourse operators The Jockey Club, supported by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

The headline change is the reduction in runners from 40 – which was set in 1984 – to 34 in next year’s race (13 April, 2024). The first fence will be moved 60 yards closer to the start, to prevent horses from building up too much speed, and a standing start is being reintroduced. A new race time is also in discussion.

Aintree’s clerk of the course Sulekha Varma, who is also The Jockey Club’s north west head of racing, led the review.

“The welfare of our racehorses and jockeys is our number one priority at Aintree and we have invested significantly in equine welfare over many years,” she said.

“We continually review the Grand National and following an in-depth, evidence-based review process this year, we are announcing several changes as part of its continued evolution.

“One of our key areas of focus is reducing the risk of incidents during the race. We know from research papers and internal analysis of jump races that there is a direct correlation between the number of runners and the risk of falling, unseating or being brought down.

“However, we also must consider that reducing the field size by too great a number could create a faster race and have an adverse impact in terms of safety. Using the information available to us and considering the experiences of participants, our conclusion is that 34 should be the maximum number of runners in the race which we hope will result in the least number of incidents.”

Grand National changes: what else is on the cards?

Changes for 2024 also include alterations to the inside running rail, to help with early capture of loose horses, pop-up irrigation for more effective watering, widening the walkways in the paddock, plus foam and rubber toe boards on every fence. The height of fence 11, an open ditch, will be reduced by two inches on the take-off side (from 5ft to 4ft 10in) on take-off side, with some levelling off on landing side to reduce the height of the drop.

The minimum rating for all horses will be raised from 125 to 130 and pre-race veterinary protocols will continue to be developed. A Grand National review panel will “closely scrutinise” horses entered that have made jumping errors in 50% or more of their last eight races before allowing them to run.

Horses will no longer be led by handlers on course during the pre-Grand National parade and will instead be released at the end of the horsewalk to then canter in front of the grandstands.

“We also considered the start time of the race, which was traditionally much earlier in the afternoon but changed to 5.15pm in 2016,” said Ms Varma. “While this has helped build excitement among the crowd throughout the afternoon, it has proved challenging in managing the ground. Returning to an earlier race time was recommended by both the BHA executive and Horse Welfare Board in their feedback.

“The benefits and relevance of the pre-race parade of horses in front of the grandstand was also brought into question. We hope that allowing jockeys to canter their horses in front of the stands at their own pace will help create a calmer environment during the build-up to the race.”

BHA chief executive Julie Harrington said that the Grand National “is the world’s greatest horse race” and that it has “maintained that status, in part, because of the developments and changes that have been made to it”.

“These changes have enabled it to move with the times and maintain public support while also ensuring that it remains a unique, thrilling spectacle and the ultimate test of a racehorse,” she said.

“The package of measures which will be introduced for next year’s race seeks to strike this crucial balance, and the BHA endorses them in full.”

Dual Randox Grand National-winning trainer Lucinda Russell said the changes are “a clear sign” that Aintree and The Jockey Club “continue to be proactive in trying to support the Grand National and the wider sport”.

“I am fully supportive of reducing the field size and I don’t feel that six fewer runners will make a difference to the heritage of the race – it can only be a good step and hopefully will help improve the start procedures,” she said.

“As regards moving the first fence, the further you go then the more speed you are going to pick up so logically it should mean they approach it slower. I know that it’s tricky for the jockeys to manage their speed as it’s such an important race and everyone is vying for a good position.

“Aintree do a wonderful job in always producing perfect ground conditions; it is ground on the soft side of good which is the way it should be.

“The level of welfare in racing is phenomenal and something we should be proud of. Once again Aintree is trying to make things safer.”

Retired jockey Ruby Walsh, who rode two Grand National winners, said the changes “represent the evolution of the Grand National”.

“The world is ever-changing and the Grand National and indeed horseracing, like any other sport, has to be prepared to change. Risk can never be removed but you have to try and minimise it,” said Ruby.

“Horse welfare is a huge part of horseracing – it’s a team sport between horse and rider and we are responsible for the welfare of the horse.”

He added: “You hope small things make for big progress. A lot of thought and effort has gone into this process – it was a proper and thorough review. It’s 10 years since the last changes were made and you can look and see what has worked and what needs to be evolved.

“There are lots of people who don’t like change but all sports change. Soccer is not the same game it was 30 or even 15 years ago and looking at the Rugby World Cup, rugby has had to evolve. Racing is the same in that we have to evolve to ensure the future of the sport.”

RSPCA director of policy Emma Slawinski described the changes as “a welcome step”.

“We believe that racehorses should have a good life on and off the track and should never be exposed to unacceptable risk of injury or death,” she said. “Any steps from The Jockey Club to meet that aim are a positive step forward, we look forward to seeing this announcement pave the way for further changes and remain keen to work with them.”

What do you think? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in the magazine.

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Derek Fox riding Corach Rambler (R, purple/yellow) clear the 'Chair' before going on to win The Randox Grand National Handicap Chase on Grand National Day during day three of the Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse on April 15, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

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Davy Russell: ‘Lucinda Russell proved she’s marvellous at Aintree’

Davy Russell — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 09:44:13 +0000

Jockey Davy Russell, who retired recently after a stellar 20-year career in the saddle, signs off again from the sport on a winning high at Aintree

To have the opportunity to ride such exceptional horses at Aintree in my last few days in the sport was really special. Winning a double of Grade Ones on Irish Point and Gerri Colombe was very pleasing and, looking back, continuing on beyond the Cheltenham Festival was the right thing to do.

Sometimes it doesn’t work out and I was happy enough to take my punishment after Cheltenham, but Gordon Elliott and my wife Edelle were adamant that it would be better if I finished on a better note, and they were right!

Unfortunately, my Grand National chances were lost at the first fence – which was entirely my own fault. A couple of strides out, I was happy enough, but then two horses to my side squeezed in and my horse Galvin just didn’t fully see the fence. That horse is a true professional, so it was just unfortunate.

There were a load of things going through my head as I hit the ground – my first thought, of course, was whether Galvin had got up OK, which he had. I checked I wasn’t too sore – I still had Pour Les Filles to ride in the bumper, my final ride. Then I made sure that the other lads who’d fallen at the first were all right, and when we knew they’d be bypassing the fence on the next circuit, due to Hill Sixteen’s fall, I helped the ground staff make sure the runners got a clean route past, which fortunately all worked out.

It’s very worrying what the protestors are talking about doing – their knowledge of horses appears very low and the harm they could do to the horses is a huge problem. Behind the scenes, while events were unfolding, there was no real panic, and the authorities did a marvellous job in trying to keep the disruption to a minimum. At the same time, it had a big effect on a lot of people and the horses.

While I wholeheartedly disagree with what the protestors are doing, there are tweaks to the Grand National that could be made. A shorter run to the first fence could be something for them to look at, and we need more room at the start because it does get pretty narrow towards the first for the 40 runners, while everyone is jostling for an early position.

But no taking away from what Corach Rambler and Derek Fox achieved by winning. Over the whole three days, trainer Lucinda Russell really advertised her abilities as a horsewoman. She’s a marvellous trainer, with Ahoy Senor also running so well in the Aintree Bowl, then Apple Away winning the Grade One Novices’ Hurdle on Friday.

“Everyone should be proud”

I enjoyed several other stand-out performances at the meeting – what the Gordon Elliott-trained Sire Du Berlais did to win the Liverpool Hurdle on Saturday was quite outstanding, and everyone involved should be very proud of that one. He’s an 11-year-old and he looked for all the world that he was going to be pulled up during the race, but jockey Mark Walsh knew best and he kept plugging on and actually won cosy in the end.

Constitution Hill is an exceptional horse, so his sixth successive Grade One success was great for trainer Nicky Henderson and especially owner Michael Buckley who’s been such a big supporter over the years. Then Famous Clermont got a marvellous ride from Will Biddick to win the Foxhunters.

What ties in all these winners is that connections know how hard it is to get a good horse, while they also know how important it is to look after them, and how to look after them. They know how to campaign them in the right races and how to design the year around a good horse.

I’d like to sign off by thanking everyone. I’ve really enjoyed myself over the past 20 years and the racing fans – on both sides of the Irish water – have been so good to me, which means so much. So thank you all.

● Does the Grand National need tweaking? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 27 April

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Racing pledges to review Grand National meeting after three horses die

2PMY3MK Corach Rambler ridden by Derek Fox on their way to winning the Randox Grand National Handicap Chase during day three of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday April 15, 2023. (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

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Racing pledges to review Grand National meeting after three horses die

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 17:02:34 +0000

“Changes must be made” is the message after three horses died during the Grand National meeting, as the authorities pledge to analyse the races in “painstaking detail”.

Hill Sixteen suffered an “unrecoverable injury” in a fall at the first National fence on 15 April. Dark Raven was put down after a fall in the Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle the same day, and Envoye Special suffered a fatal injury in the Foxhunters Chase on 13 April.

Two other horses in the National – Recite A Prayer and Cape Gentleman – were treated on course and taken away by ambulance for further assessment. The start of the National had been delayed as protestors against the race gained access to the course but were dealt with by police, who made 118 arrests.

“Yesterday was a very sad day,” said Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare. The charity supports responsible involvement of horses in sport and is an independent welfare advisor to horse sport regulators, including the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

“From Aintree to television screens across the world, this year’s meet was difficult to watch. The loss of Envoye Special, Dark Raven and Hill Sixteen is heartbreaking and we offer our condolences to their connections, who we know will be devastated.

“While it is true that accidents can happen anywhere – and the risks can never be removed altogether – jump racing poses specific risks that it has a responsibility to relentlessly reduce wherever possible. While in the immediate aftermath of these events it is a time to reflect and review what has happened, it is clear to us that despite the changes made by Aintree and racing to date, much more needs to be done.”

Mr Owers said these events are an “urgent reminder” of the need to bring work on the jump race risk model, set out by racing’s independent Horse Welfare Board to improve equine safety in racing, to the fore.

“The model is a key tool to help inform how to make this and other jump races safer,” he said. “Progress on this key project has not been quick enough and this needs to change now that racing has an agreement in place with the Royal Veterinary College to help take it forward. Overall, the types of questions that need to be considered are the number of runners, how to reduce the number of fallers, how to better manage loose horses and how to better manage the start.

“No one can accept fatalities as a certainty at any race and no one, least of all anyone in racing, wants to see what we witnessed in yesterday’s Grand National.”

On 15 April, the RSPCA said it “urgently” calls on the BHA to “review the circumstances of each of the sad deaths at Aintree, so that we never again exit a ‘festival of racing’ with three dead horses”.

BHA CEO Julie Harrington said the authority’s thoughts are with all connections of the horses who suffered fatal injuries.

“No one will be more affected by this news than the trainers, owners and stable staff who have provided these horses with first-class care and attention throughout their lives,” she said.

“The BHA and Aintree racecourse will now analyse the races in painstaking detail, as is the case every year, to build on our existing data and help us understand what caused these incidents.

“British racing works tirelessly to improve the sport’s safety record and reduce avoidable risk. Every incident is reviewed by the BHA alongside the racecourse and other bodies. As a sport we have for years shown great determination and commitment to improve welfare standards by taking measured scientific, evidence-based, regulatory and education-based steps. It is for this reason that the fatal injury rate in the sport has reduced by over 1/3 in the last 20 years, to 0.2% of runners.”

Ms Harrington added that the BHA respects the rights of everyone to hold views on racing.

“But we robustly condemn the reckless and potentially harmful actions of a handful of people in disrupting the race at a time when horses were in the parade ring,” she said.

“Those involved in British racing are rightly proud of our sport and the role it plays in providing an unparalleled quality of life for horses bred for racing. Love and respect for horses is at the heart of everything we do.

“The Grand National is and always will be an iconic sporting event and the actions of a small number of people will do nothing to diminish its huge and enduring international appeal.”

The BHA says it does “everything possible” to minimise risk in racing, and that the number of horses who suffer fatal injuries on courses has decreased to 0.21%.