The Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Hurdle provided a gripping opening to the 2026 Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree, where a pair of Irish-trained fillies dominated proceedings and served up a compelling finish in the Grade One contest.
Run over just shy of two miles and a furlong, the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Hurdle drew a competitive field of ten, including two promising fillies who ultimately fought out the finish. It was Gordon Elliott’s progressive mare Mange Tout, ridden with measured confidence by Jack Kennedy, who asserted late to defeat the Willie Mullins-trained favourite Selma De Vary by three-quarters of a length.
The race began at a steady tempo, but the complexion shifted notably from the third-last flight as Kennedy angled Mange Tout into contention. Travelling strongly but still showing signs of keenness, she moved alongside Selma De Vary approaching the home turn. From there, it became a duel between the two, with Mange Tout just doing enough on the run-in to secure top honours.
Selma De Vary, sent off the 9-4 favourite under Paul Townend, lost little in defeat, staying on gamely but finding the winner marginally stronger on the day. Adrian Keatley’s Indian River finished third, running with credit despite conceding weight to the leading pair.
Elliott was quick to praise both horse and rider, noting the importance of Kennedy’s tactical approach. “I thought he gave her a great ride. Winning or losing the race was decided from the third-last to the turn in,” he said. “Jack had to ride to settle her. She was very keen at Leopardstown, and that took its toll there.”
The decision to bypass Cheltenham in favour of Aintree also proved decisive. “It was hard not taking her to Cheltenham, but now that it’s over, I’m glad we kept her for here. The flatter track suited her, and she’s got a bit of boot,” Elliott added, hinting at her future over fences.
Kennedy echoed those sentiments, highlighting the filly’s developing maturity. “She can overrace a bit, but I got some cover on her today. She still wasn’t fully relaxed, but she jumped great,” he said. “I was conscious not to get boxed in, and she probably hit the front a bit soon, but she was always doing enough.”
Townend, reflecting on Selma De Vary’s effort, was gracious in defeat. “She ran a cracker. We were probably just beaten by a fresher one on the day. There wasn’t much between them the last time either.”
Keatley also took positives from Indian River’s third-place finish. “He had plenty to find with the front two and was giving them weight. It was a good run, and he’s had a busy campaign for a relatively inexperienced horse.”
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