Three Horses To Follow Over The Grand National Fences At Aintree Next Week

Just three races are run over the Grand National fences at the Aintree Festival, those being the Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase, the Topham Handicap Chase, plus the iconic Grand National Handicap Chase itself.

• Run over a trip of two miles and five furlongs, the Foxhunters’ is contested by amateur riders and the Thursday spectacle is effectively their very own version of the Grand National.

• The Topham Handicap Chase is a Grade 3 handicap chase run over two miles and five furlongs on the Friday of the Festival. With a mix of seasoned chasers and progressive contenders, this race delivers high-class action and plenty of drama over the famous course.

• Saturday heralds the BIG one – the Grand National. In total there are 16 fences on the Grand National course, 14 of which are jumped twice along the four mile, two and half furlong distance, which is the longest Jump racing distance in the UK.

Thursday 3rd April

4.05 pm – Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase (MY DROGO)

After pulling clear to win the valuable Walrus Open Hunters’ Chase at Haydock in February under Will Biddick, Devon point-to-point trainer Ed Walker immediately set his sights on Aintree with My Drogo.

Owner Richard Kelvin-Hughes said afterwards: “He’s never jumped better than when winning at Haydock, and he won a Grade One novices’ hurdle around Aintree when he was younger so the flat track should suit him.”

That Aintree win in 2021 was achieved when My Drogo was in training with Dan Skelton and the ten-year-old has retained much of his old ability. He should give punters a good run for their money and is a popular choice in our current horse racing betting.

Friday 4th April

4.05 pm – Topham Handicap Chase (JAMES DU BERLAIS)

Runner-up in this contest 12 months ago, the Willie Mullins-trained James Du Berlais returns to Merseyside for another crack at the “mini Grand National” – the 2m5f Topham Chase.

Leading owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede publicly stated that they would be turning  their attentions to Aintree’s Grand National Festival this term rather than being top heavy with runners at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

Last year, James Du Berlais appeared to have the Topham wrapped up coming around the Elbow, but he was reeled in late by Arizona Cardinal. The nine-year-old is one of the classier chasers in the field and the famous double-green silks look sure to be in the reckoning once more.

Saturday 5th April  

4.00 pm – Grand National Handicap Chase (VANILLIER)

Our William Hill Racing Ambassador Gavin Cromwell trains the popular grey Vanillier and believes the ten-year-old is in with a great chance.

“We’re hoping that Vanillier will be able to go having finished second in the race a couple of years ago. He’s off a nice weight and seems in good form. His last two runs have been really good so if he goes I should think he’d have a live chance.”

Cross country racing really seems to have perked him up and he can go one better than in 2023.

You can check out Vanillier’s latest Grand National odds here.