Warren Greatrex could not hide the smile on his face this week as he spoke about Bill Baxter, the grey who carried the yard through some of its toughest days. There was a quiet pride in his voice — the kind that comes only when a horse restores belief — as he prepared the now-nine-year-old for another crack at Aintree, this time in the Becher Handicap Chase on December 6, the centrepiece of the Becher Handicap Chase December 6.
Greatrex remembers well the afternoon Bill Baxter surged home over the famous Grand National fences in 2023. It was a victory that steadied the team during a difficult period, the kind of win that forms the emotional spine of a season. And although the gelding took his time to add another major strike, his determined display at Punchestown earlier this year reminded the stable just how much fire still lives inside him.
“That day in Ireland was a lift for all of us,” Greatrex reflected. “It felt like he’d rediscovered himself — and since then he’s been in great spirits.”
Steady Return, Confident Steps Toward a Big Target
Bill Baxter’s warm-up at Newbury, though not a winning one, proved enough for connections to push ahead with Saturday’s challenge. His trainer was pleased with the way he moved through the race, noting only a minor late error that he quickly excused.
“It was the right prep. He travelled well, and the run brought him forward,” Greatrex said. “He’s been schooling sharply and feels like a horse enjoying his work. It’s as if turning nine has given him a new spark.”
Although it has been some time since the gelding tackled three and a quarter miles, Greatrex is convinced the stamina is now there. The stout finish he produced at Leopardstown last spring left few doubts.
“He didn’t always strike me as a definite stayer, but he proved that he is. That extra distance could even unlock a bit more.”
A Chance for Another Special Aintree Moment
Bill Baxter’s relationship with the Aintree fences is already established, though his attempt to defend his Topham crown in 2024 ended abruptly when he unseated James Bowen. Even so, Greatrex believes the horse’s understanding of the course — and its rhythms — remains a major asset.
“Aintree has given us some of our finest memories,” he said. “If he could deliver another moment like that, it would mean a lot to everyone here.”
The Becher presents its own challenge, but also its own rewards. A strong performance on Saturday would point connections toward the spring once more, with the Grand National becoming a realistic discussion rather than a distant dream.
“If he wins or runs very well, then naturally we’d look toward April. But first things first — we want to see him enjoy himself around there again.”
Stablemate Margaret’s Legacy Also Set for Aintree
Greatrex may not travel with only one contender. Margaret’s Legacy, runner-up recently at Bangor-on-Dee, is also under consideration for a shorter contest on the same card. His trainer feels the gelding is sharpening up and that Aintree’s flatter terrain could play to his strengths.
“He’s not the easiest horse to manage, but he has ability. Soft ground would help him, and the track should suit.”
Competitive Field Awaits in the Becher
This year’s renewal has attracted a competitive cast, with Mr Vango, Gaboriot, White Rhino, Bioluminescence and others all prominent in discussions surrounding the race. Bill Baxter sits among them as one of several seasoned fence-jumpers with genuine credentials.
And though the race stands alone in prestige, it also forms part of a wider challenge — with the winner gaining eligibility for a substantial end-of-season bonus tied to the Grand National. It’s an intriguing storyline, but not one that Greatrex is letting dominate his focus.
“That’s all for later. For now, the aim is simple — get there in good health, run well, and see where it leads.”
Bill Baxter has already written one heartfelt chapter for the yard. On Saturday, he may be ready to add another.
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