The opening day of the Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse on Thursday, 9 April, promises a spectacular showcase of top-class jump racing. With seven competitive races and multiple Grade 1 highlights, the card blends elite performers with emerging talent, setting the tone for an exciting festival.
The day begins at 1:45 pm with the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle, a Grade 1 contest over 2m 1f 48y. Featuring 10 runners and a prize fund of ÂŁ110,000, this race traditionally highlights the best young hurdlers. Speed, agility, and slick jumping are key here, and it often produces future stars of the sport.
At 2:20 pm, the William Hill Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase takes centre stage. This Grade 1 event over 2m 4f 58y has attracted five runners competing for £120,000. With a smaller field, the race is expected to be tactical, placing emphasis on accurate jumping and well-timed challenges in the closing stages.
The feature contest arrives at 2:55 pm with the Racing Welfare Bowl Steeple Chase, one of the richest races of the day with a prize fund of ÂŁ250,000. Run over a testing 3m 1f 90y, it brings together five high-class chasers, all carrying 11st 10lbs, in what promises to be a thrilling stamina test.
Among the contenders is a strong entry from trainer W. P. Mullins, representing powerful ownership connections. Jango Baie, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Nico de Boinville, brings solid recent form and a high rating of 167, making him a major player.
Pic D’orhy, under Harry Cobden for champion trainer Paul Nicholls, has been consistent at the top level and holds a rating of 162. Meanwhile, Protektorat, partnered by Harry Skelton for Dan Skelton, arrives in excellent form with recent wins and a rating of 165.
Irish interest is further strengthened by Spillane’s Tower, ridden by Mark Walsh and trained by James Joseph Mangan. With a rating of 164, he adds depth to a high-quality field where every runner has strong credentials.
At 3:30 pm, the Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase provides a unique spectacle. With a large field of 25 runners over 2m 5f 19y and £50,000 in prize money, this race features amateur riders and seasoned hunters. Known for its unpredictability, it often delivers dramatic finishes and memorable performances.
The spotlight returns to elite company at 4:05 pm with the William Hill Aintree Hurdle, another Grade 1 contest worth ÂŁ250,000. Run over 2m 4f 75y, this race features a competitive field of seven runners, including a fascinating mix of established performers and rising stars.Leading the entries is a runner from the yard of Joe Tizzard, who has shown consistent form and holds a rating of 158. El Fabiolo, trained by W. P. Mullins, ridden by Paul Townend, is a high-profile contender with strong credentials despite a slightly lower rating of 155.
Lucky Place, representing Nicky Henderson and again partnered by Nico de Boinville, adds further intrigue, while Potters Charm, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies, comes into the race with winning momentum. A particularly exciting contender is The New Lion from the Dan Skelton stable, boasting a rating of 160. Among the mares, Brighterdaysahead, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, stands out with a rating of 159, while Golden Ace, trained by Jeremy Scott, completes a strong and balanced field.
At 4:40 pm, the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase brings together 15 runners over 2m 18y for ÂŁ100,000. A fast-run contest, it rewards sharp jumping and tactical speed, often producing a thrilling finish.
The card concludes at 5:15 pm with the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race. Featuring 20 runners over 2m 1f 48y and a prize fund of £50,000, this bumper race provides a platform for future stars, particularly among emerging mares in the sport.
With two £250,000 Grade 1 races headlining the day and depth across every contest, Aintree’s opening fixture offers a perfect blend of quality and excitement. From seasoned champions to promising newcomers, Thursday’s racing promises to deliver compelling action and set the stage for the rest of the Grand National Festival.
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