The Grand National is one of the most important events in the British sporting calendar, but the Aintree meeting isn’t just about one race. The festival takes place over three days and there are a number of top class runs across the timeframe.
While it culminates in the Grand National, serious racegoers will know that there is more to Aintree in April.
The Big Two
The Topham Handicap Chase is traditionally run on the Friday before the Grand National. In 2023, another top-class field has assembled for this important jump race. Current odds on Topham Handicap Chase show that Gesskille is the 7/1 favourite, shortly followed by Ashtown Lad at 8/1.
The focus rightly switches to the Grand National on the Saturday of the meeting. This is the final day of the Aintree festival and, for this year, those looking for grand national festival 2023 tips, will start by studying the markets. Corach Rambler is the current favourite at 11/2, followed by 2022 winner Noble Yeats at 8/1.
Both are established and highly anticipated races, but how do the Topham Handicap Chase and the Grand National differ?
Topham Handicap Chase
The Topham Handicap Chase has been held since 1949, which makes it one of the oldest races at the Grand National meeting. It’s a Grade 3 event, which means that the field can be of mixed quality. Grade 1 races are the highest ranked in this sport.
It’s a jump race for five-year-old horses and above and it’s one of only three events to take place over the Grand National fences. This means that it offers a true test of each runner and, it can also give the trainer a clue as to whether the horse has the ability to make the step up to future Grand Nationals.
There have been some notable winners of the Topham Handicap Chase in recent years. From 2010 to 2012, Peter Bowen’s Always Waining made history with three consecutive wins.
The Grand National
The Grand National is considered by many to be the most prestigious jump race in the world. It was first run in 1839 and has since become the most anticipated event of its kind. Even for those who have just a passing interest in horse racing, the National is a must-see.
It’s a true test of skill and endurance for both horse and jockey. 30 fences and two laps of the Aintree course stand between each runner and a place in history.
Speaking of making history, the most memorable horse to have ever competed in the Grand National was Red Rum. Jockey Tommy Stack guided his mount to a unique hat trick of wins in the 1977 race.
The Rest of the Card
In total, there are 21 races taking place across three days of the meeting. It all starts on Thursday with the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices Steeple Chase which leads into six more races.
Friday is Ladies Day with the Topham Chase a highlight of the card. Of course, Aintree is mostly about the Grand National which will bring the curtain down on the meeting on Saturday, April 15th this year.
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