So, here we go, with the 175th running of the Grand National, the world’s most famous steeplechase, and by the end of this afternoon another trainer, jockey, horse and owner will have joined an elite group of champions.
Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool has already played host to two days of top-class racing this week but the highlight of the meeting – and indeed one of the highlights of the sporting year – comes in the penultimate contest later today, when a field of 39 runners are set to go to post in the grand spectacle that is the National.
As ever, there are fine stories wherever you look, from last year’s shock 50/1 winner Noble Yeats seeking to defend his crown, to Rachael Blackmore chasing another success after her historic win in 2021. You can follow all the action LIVE with Standard Sport’s dedicated blog below, featuring expert insight and analysis from Malik Ouzia!
Live updates
3:00pm Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle
Our second Grade 1 of the afternoon and a really intriguing contest that should join a few of the dots in terms of this year’s novice hurdle form.
You’ve got Dark Raven, who was sixth in a Supreme that got a form-boost with Inthepocket yesterday, Challow Hurdle-winner Hermes Allen looking to bounce back from his Ballymore flop and then Irish Point, who bypassed Cheltenham altogether but had form with plenty of the top Irish novices earlier in the year.
Add in You Wear It Well, a good winner of the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, and Letsbeclearaboutit, who was fourth in the Albert Bartlett, and there’s plenty to unpick.
Grand National: Runner-by-runner guide
25) Ain’t That A Shame (Henry De Bromhead)
Second-season novice looks on the upgrade having gone close in two valuable handicaps before getting his head in front for the first time last time out. Yard in desperate form but defied similar concerns heading into Cheltenham and trainer won this race two years ago.
26) Corach Rambler (Lucinda Russell)
Back-to-back Cheltenham Festival winner, the antepost favourite since winning the Ultima is officially 10lbs well-in at the weights. Marathon trip could bring out more improvement, though run style is a concern. Huge chance if anywhere near contention two-out.
27) Enjoy D’Allen (Ciaran Murphy)
Sent off a 20/1 chance last year but unseated at the first. Suspicion is his best chance has been and gone after four disappointing showings this term.
28) Mr Incredible (Willie Mullins)
A bit of a character but might have mellowed a touch since moving to Closutton. Stamina no question after big effort to finish second over an extended trip in heavy ground at Warwick and third in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham suggests he comes in in good form.
Good Time Jonny’s flown home in fourth there having met all sorts of traffic up in the inside rail and eventually switching out. You can mark his performance up but I’m not sure he’d have got anywhere near the mare. Very impressive and a great nerve-settler for the Skelton team ahead of Le Milos in the National later.
2:25pm Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle result
1. West Balboa 9/2 f
2. Pounding Poet 50/1
3. Mill Green 14/1
4. Good Time Jonny 11/2
West Balboa draws away to win under Harry Skelton!
Pounding Poet was second at a huge price, Mill Green third – as he was at Cheltenham – and Good Time Jonny came from a long way back for fourth.
“I was running away, to be honest,” Skelton says on ITV. “I had a lot in hand.”
Now they start to bunch up in behind the long-time leader as they turn for home with three to jump…
Into the home straight for the first time, little change in the order and the whole field still travelling with eight to jump…
Outlaw`Peter leads them down the back under Harry Cobden, with Glimpse Of Gala alongside.
And they’re off!
Away and racing in the Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle…
2:25pm Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle
The runners are down at the start…
