As the days begin to get longer, horse racing enthusiasts are starting to countdown the days to the start of spring—as the National Hunt campaign reaches its peak in March and April.
The Grand National Festival at Aintree is always a highlight of the British sporting calendar, and the 2024 edition was no exception.
Across three thrilling days of top-class action, we witnessed unforgettable performances, heart-stopping finishes, and moments that will be etched into horse racing history for years to come.
The meeting delivered drama, excitement, and plenty of talking points, from emerging stars to seasoned champions.
As we look forward to the Grand National races 2025, we look back at some of the standout races that captivated fans and showcased the very best of jumps racing.
Grand National
Where better to start than with the Grand National itself? The world stops to watch the iconic steeplechase, and pre-race joint-favourite I Am Maximus didn’t disappoint his backers.
Set off at 7/1 alongside his fellow JP McManus-owned rival, a fantastic ride from Paul Townend saw the eight-year-old breeze past his competition at the elbow and run on for a comfortable victory.
It was the first Grand National triumph for Willie Mullins since Hedgehunters’ win in 2005, while it marked a record-equaling third win in the race for McManus.
Aintree Hurdle
While the Grand National often steals the headlines, the Aintree Hurdle was arguably the race of the meeting as just a head separated the first three over the line.
Langer Dan, Bob Olinger, and Impaire Et Passe took the last practically as one, and all three rallied up the straight in a messy finish that saw the latter hold on by a nose.
Many felt that Impaire Et Passe hindered his rivals when he drifted across them on the run-in, but the placing remained unaltered.
Mersey Novices’ Hurdle
Brighterdaysahead’s loss in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle was one of the biggest upsets of last year’s Cheltenham Festival, as the odds-on favourite lost to 10/1 outsider Golden Ace.
There was a shadow of doubt cast over her against the boys in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle based on that, but she won the Grade 1 easily from stablemate Staffordshire Knot.
Gordon Elliott’s mare joined the leaders four out and streaked clear of the chasing pack, ultimately winning by over seven lengths.
Melling Chase
Fan favourite Jonbon was another Henderson horse to miss out at Prestbury Park in March, withdrawn from the Champion Chase as he sought his first Cheltenham Festival victory.
However, he was back to his very best at Aintree—winning the Grade 1 Melling Chase by just over a length from Conflated.
Jonbon coasted into second two out and was hot on the tail of Conflated before the last, leaping into the lead over the final fence and keeping on well for another top-level win.
4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle
Arguably robbed of a Triumph Hurdle victory at the Cheltenham Festival, as he was withdrawn by Nicky Henderson as a virus swept the veteran trainer’s yard, Sir Gino bounced back at Aintree.
The French recruit led the market from Triumph Hurdle runner-up Kargaese, and the pair were neck-and-neck at the last obstacle.
There continued to be little between them into the final furlong before Sir Gino ultimately kicked on under Nico De Boinville to win by over three lengths.
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