Aintree Racecourse hosted the Aintree Haldon Gold Cup meeting on Friday, November 6, after a lack of rainfall forced the transfer of the fixture from its traditional venue, Exeter Racecourse. Rubaud delivered a record-extending ninth success in the Grade Two BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup for trainer Paul Nicholls, while Off The Jury strengthened his potential Randox Grand National credentials and the Skelton brothers secured a double.
The £100,000 Grade Two BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup, a limited handicap chase over two miles, went to eight-year-old Rubaud, who produced a strong performance under Sam Twiston-Davies. Racing prominently throughout, he established a clear advantage two fences from home and maintained his effort to defeat JPR One by six and a half lengths.
The victory marked Rubaud’s third success over fences and his first since winning the Grade Two Pendil Novices’ Chase at Kempton Park in February 2025.
For Nicholls, the result extended his record in the Haldon Gold Cup to nine victories, following earlier successes with Lake Kariba, Flagship Uberalles, Azertyuiop, Tchico Polos, Vibrato Valtat, Politologue and Greaneteen, who won twice. The trainer also moved to within one victory of equalling Martin Pipe’s all-time record of 3,930 Jump winners.
Nicholls indicated that Rubaud could next be considered for races such as the Tingle Creek and Celebration Chase.
Aintree Haldon Gold Cup Meeting Produces Strong Performances
Off The Jury emerged as another major winner of the afternoon after claiming the Download The BetMGM App Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase over three miles and a furlong. The seven-year-old, trained by Mickey Bowen and ridden by Sean Bowen, made virtually all the running to defeat Below The Radar by two and a quarter lengths.
The victory extended his unbeaten record over fences to three starts. His jumping and stamina also raised the possibility of a return to Aintree for next April’s Randox Grand National. Connections indicated that he could be entered in both the Grand National and the Topham Chase before a decision was made on his target.
Sean Bowen completed a riding double when partnering Warren Greatrex-trained All In You to victory in the Read Meg Nicholls’ Blog Handicap Hurdle over two miles and a furlong. The six-year-old produced a patient performance, took the lead at the final hurdle and secured a comfortable three-and-a-half-length victory over Lyssenko.
The opening Bet £10 To Get £40 BetMGM Novices’ Hurdle went to Risky Obsession, trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by Harry Skelton. The five-year-old made a successful debut over hurdles, taking the lead after the penultimate flight before winning by two and a quarter lengths from Aqua Bleu.
The Skelton brothers later completed a double through Royal Infantry, who made all the running to win the BetMGM Future Stars Silver Bowl Chasing Excellence Novices’ Chase over three miles and a furlong. The 11-8 chance defeated 6-5 favourite Klimt Madrik by two and a half lengths.
The £80,000 BetMGM Handicap Chase, normally staged as the Badger Beer Handicap Chase at Wincanton, was also transferred to Aintree because of the weather conditions. Montregard, owned by JP McManus, secured the contest for trainer Tom Lacey and jockey Harry Cobden, delivering a five-length victory?
The closing Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap Hurdle went to Secret Vino, trained by Tom Ellis and ridden by Jack Andrews.
Rubaud secured a record ninth Haldon Gold Cup victory for Paul Nicholls, while Off The Jury strengthened his Grand National prospects. Sean Bowen and the Skelton brothers also enjoyed successful afternoons at Aintree.
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