Kalif Du Berlais delivered a commanding performance to clinch the Grade One Rosconn Group Maghull Novices’ Chase on the concluding day of the 2025 Randox Grand National Festival. The talented chaser, starting at odds of 15-8, crossed the line three and a half lengths ahead of his rivals, stamping his authority over the two-mile trip in style.
Paul Nicholls, who saddled the winner, expressed satisfaction with the decision to send the horse into this contest fresh, having opted not to run him in the Arkle earlier in the season. The trainer reflected on recent events and explained that an earlier outing at Sandown over a longer distance wasn’t ideal, but that the horse had clearly benefitted from the break since. Nicholls praised the horse’s development and underlined his belief in Kalif Du Berlais as a major contender for top honours next season, particularly in championship-level races.
The race brought a fitting close to the Festival for Nicholls, who has seen strong performances from his team throughout the meeting. The trainer remarked on the promising prospects in the yard, suggesting that the current momentum bodes well for the upcoming campaign.
Jockey Harry Cobden, who steered Kalif Du Berlais to victory, was full of admiration for his mount’s precision and commitment. The pair produced an almost flawless round of jumping, and Cobden acknowledged the horse’s determination and stamina. Despite a moment of hesitation approaching the final fence, the gelding responded with agility and power, showcasing his natural athleticism.
Cobden also highlighted the horse’s remarkable improvement over the course of the season, adding that he now appears to be thriving over a range of distances. Dismissing the disappointment of his last start, the jockey suggested that the performance at Aintree signals a return to form and opens the door to an exciting future.
Kalif Du Berlais’s victory not only provided a triumphant finale to the Grade One action at Aintree but also confirmed his place among the most exciting novice chasers on the circuit.
