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2026 Grand National

Blow your wad defying a 4lb rise winning nicely just then.
Makes jagwar and Johnny even more attractive now
Didn’t fancy him today otherwise the related bets would have been nice
Ffs. Didn't realise he was running today. Thought he'd be turning up at Aintree on national day🤮
 
….presume the Irish GN decs are today.
 
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Brighterdaysahead and The New Lion are poised for a rematch at Aintree on Thursday.

The William Hill Aintree Hurdle is one of four Grade Ones on the opening afternoon of the Grand National meeting, and plenty of attention will be on Brighterdaysahead (Gordon Elliott) and The New Lion (Dan Skelton) after they were second and third respectively to Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Adding further interest is the presence of Alexei, who was fourth, and Golden Ace, who was fifth in the defence of her Festival title.

Nicky Henderson has entered Gold Cup runner-up Jango Baie in the Racing Welfare Bowl Chase over an extended three miles, as he as Jonbon, who was second in the Ryanair Chase last month.

The Jimmy Mangan-trained, JP McManus-owned Spillane’s Tower – who remains a possible for the Grand National – has been given the engagement, with Skelton represented by Grey Dawning and Protektorat.

Henderson’s Arkle third Lulamba is in the William Hill Manifesto Novices’ Chase, while the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle promises to be a cracking affair, featuring Triumph Hurdle second Maestro Conti for Skelton and third home Minella Study for Adam Nicol.

Selma De Vary was fourth and tries again for Willie Mullins, with Faye Bramley’s fifth-placed Lord Byron another in contention.
 
….Spillane’s entered for Aintree Bowl, if he takes the engagement up it would mean Johnnywho gets in.
 
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….Spillane’s entered for Aintree Bowl, if he takes the engagement up it would mean Johnnywho gets in.
Gerri Colombe and Banbridge both entered in Bowl as well. Good chance one of the 3 goes there instead.
 
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Gerri Colombe and Banbridge both entered in Bowl as well. Good chance one of the 3 goes there instead.
Banbridge National bound unless the ground goes for him, then he'll be potentially elsewhere
 
Trainer today still looking to National with Spillanes.....

“In the village I come from the signs are still up ‘Home of Monty’s Pass’, so hopefully they can put another one up!”
The horse tasked with delighting the Conna faithful is a multiple Grade One winner who provided Mangan with his first winner in Britain since Monty’s Pass claimed Aintree glory when landing the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January.
The undoubted star of a string that barely reaches double figures, the JP McManus-owned eight-year-old was subsequently an eleventh hour withdrawal from the Gold Cup after the connections had well-publicised misgivings about the Prestbury Park ground.
While waiting on the green light from his owner, Mangan feels his charge is more than capable of making his presence felt in the world’s most famous steeplechase provided the Aintree turf is deemed suitable.
“Everything is good and at the moment the plan is to go to Liverpool,” he added.
“I’m looking forward to having another go at the National – he’d be a classier horse than Monty’s Pass, no doubt about it.”
 
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Banbridge National bound unless the ground goes for him, then he'll be potentially elsewhere
Yeah, makes sense. Very ground dependant. Really can't see him staying the GN trip though.
 
Trainer today still looking to National with Spillanes.....

“In the village I come from the signs are still up ‘Home of Monty’s Pass’, so hopefully they can put another one up!”
The horse tasked with delighting the Conna faithful is a multiple Grade One winner who provided Mangan with his first winner in Britain since Monty’s Pass claimed Aintree glory when landing the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January.
The undoubted star of a string that barely reaches double figures, the JP McManus-owned eight-year-old was subsequently an eleventh hour withdrawal from the Gold Cup after the connections had well-publicised misgivings about the Prestbury Park ground.
While waiting on the green light from his owner, Mangan feels his charge is more than capable of making his presence felt in the world’s most famous steeplechase provided the Aintree turf is deemed suitable.
“Everything is good and at the moment the plan is to go to Liverpool,” he added.
“I’m looking forward to having another go at the National – he’d be a classier horse than Monty’s Pass, no doubt about it.”

….might currently be a bit of e/w value in The Bowl if a few are heading towards the GN. Croke Pk in Topham as well.
 
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…..threatened rain all day here in Liverpool but not had anything significant.
 
Now Is The Hour gone from 20s to 80s on the exchange, guessing it's scrapped? Anyone heard anything?
 
I think Stellar Story has a right chance, based on the BobbyJo he has a 20lb swing with GCW for a 14lb loss and a 20lb swing vs Gerri for a 9 length loss.

He's a strong stayer who brings top notch Cheltenham form (appreciate it's a different course etc. but he performs on the big stage was the point)
Has that horrid head gear trend to overcome and not sure he’s that genuine. But surely will love the trip!
 
Any thoughts on expected ground? G/s atm right?
He ran Lecky Watson fairly close on decent ground at Cheltenham last year. I’m of the opinion that horses become less ground dependent as they get older & more experienced.
 
….notice PP/BFSB are also NRNB.