Grand National 2023 LIVE results: Horse racing updates, reaction, protests, latest news as Corach Rambler wins

Grand National - LIVE!

Corach Rambler justified favouritism to deliver trainer Lucinda Russell a second Grand National success under a faultless ride from jockey Derek Fox.

Russell and Fox combined to win the steeplechase in 2017 with One For Arthur and broke a streak of four successive victories for Irish trainers since as Corach Rambler (8/1) beat Vanillier (20/1) and Gaillard Du Mesnil (10/1) in front of a raucous Aintree crowd. Noble Yeats (10/1), a shock winner at 50/1 twelve months ago, finished a fine fourth carrying 19lbs more than 12 months ago, with The Big Dog (12/1) in fifth.

Having been delivered late after bold hold-up rides in both of his Cheltenham successes, Fox positioned Corach Rambler far more prominently and avoided much of the first-circuit chaos that saw a number of leading contenders exit the race and a string of loose horses cause havoc. Fox had not ridden since suffering a shoulder injury in a fall at Wetherby on April 6, but returned in the nick of time to partner Corach Rambler, who won by just over two lengths despite seeming to idol up the run-in. Recap it all with Standard Sport’s dedicated blog below!

Grand National 2023 latest news

• Corach Rambler wins the Grand National

• Finishers in full for Grand National

• Grand National start delayed by animal rights protestors

• Jonbon takes Maghull Novices’ Chase in good style

• Sire Du Berlais wins second Liverpool Hurdle in remarkable fashion

• Irish Point gives Davy Russell more Grade 1 success

Thanks for following!

Saturday 15 April 2023 20:01 , Matt Verri

Corach Rambler justified favouritism to deliver trainer Lucinda Russell a second Grand National success under a faultless ride from jockey Derek Fox, after the race was delayed by animal rights activists.

Russell and Fox combined to win the steeplechase in 2017 with One For Arthur and broke a streak of four successive victories for Irish trainers since as Corach Rambler (8/1) beat Vanillier (20/1) and Gaillard Du Mesnil (10/1) in front of a raucous Aintree crowd.

Noble Yeats (10/1), a shock winner at 50/1 twelve months ago, finished a fine fourth carrying 19lbs more than 12 months ago, with The Big Dog (12/1) in fifth.

Read our full report here

Grand National recap

Saturday 15 April 2023 19:26 , Matt Verri

Fallers

• Fury Road

• The Big Breakaway

• Hill Sixteen

• Sam Brown

Pulled up

• Any Second Now

• Velvet Elvis

• Dunboyne

• Cape Gentleman

• Back On The Lash

• Capodanno

• Coko Beach

Unseated

• Galvin

• Mr Incredible

• Lifetime Ambition

• Cloudy Glen

• Longhouse Poet

• Gabbys Cross

• Delta Work

• Recite A Prayer

• Darasso

• Eva’s Oskar

• Diol Ker

Two hours later...

Saturday 15 April 2023 19:16 , Matt Verri

Some very happy owners!

Saturday 15 April 2023 18:50 , Matt Verri

Update on Grand National fallers

Saturday 15 April 2023 18:36 , Matt Verri

“Sadly, while racing in the Grand National, Hill Sixteen sustained an unrecoverable injury. Our sincere sympathies are with connections,” a Jockey Club spokesperson said.

“Recite A Prayer and Cape Gentleman were assessed on course by our skilled veterinary staff and walked onto the horse ambulance for further assessment in the stables.”

Emotional reaction from Peter Scudamore

Saturday 15 April 2023 18:27 , Matt Verri

“This is very special"

Saturday 15 April 2023 18:18 , Matt Verri

Winning training Lucinda Russell has been asked how this compares to One For Arthur’s victory six years ago.

“Yes it is a bit different,” she tells ITV Racing.

“Scu [Peter Scudamore] does a lot of work with this horse so it’s very important for us that its safe and he jumps well. He just loved the fences, he loved everything about it. It’s very personal this one. I’ll always remember One For Arthur but this is very special.

“Derek Fox was very close to not making the ride. He had a terrible fall, hurt his shoulder again. I am so pleased he was on it because he knows Corach so well. He is a fabulous jockey.”

Statement from Merseyside Police

Saturday 15 April 2023 18:10 , Matt Verri

“Just after 5pm a large number of protesters attempted to gain entry on to the course.

“The majority were prevented from breaching the boundary fencing but the nine individuals who managed to enter the course were later arrested by officers.

“We respect the right to peaceful protest and expression of views, but criminal behaviour and disorder will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.”

“I can’t believe it"

Saturday 15 April 2023 18:08 , Matt Verri

Finishers in full...

Saturday 15 April 2023 18:01 , Matt Verri

1. Corach Rambler

2. Vanillier

3. Gaillard Du Mesnil

4. Noble Yeats

5. The Big Dog

6. Born By The Sea

7. Roi Mage

8. Mister Coffey

9. A Wave Of The Sea

10. Le Milos

11. Our Power

12. Enjoy D’allen

13. Fortescue

14. Carefully Selected

15. Minella Trump

16. Francky Du Berlais

17. Ain’t That A Shame

Tom Scudamore pays tribute to father

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:59 , Matt Verri

Peter Scudamore reluctantly joins the celebrations at the presentation. His son has been speaking about Corach Rambler’s win, and got very emotional.

“You don’t know what this horse means for my father, I can’t tell you,” Tom Scudamore tells BBC Radio 5 Live.

“They were in tears before the race. Derek [Fox] has worked so hard to get back into it. It just shows the beauty of this sport. He is such a character. Dad understands him, they understand each other. He means more to dad than myself and my bother. I can’t tell you. He is part of the family to them - that’s what makes me so emotional. I know what this will mean to dad.

“I am just so proud of him. I am proud of him, I am proud of Lucinda [Russell]. It is just unbelievable. I don’t cope very well watching it. I preferred riding. I am just so proud of everything my dad and Lucinda have done. I am just so proud of my dad.”

Start the celebrations....

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:53 , Matt Verri

Some reaction from Derek Fox

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:49 , Matt Verri

“He is just a phenomenal horse,” the winning jockey tells ITV Sport.

“I can’t believe it. He normally gets his head up a wee bit but today he travelled everywhere. He is the cleverest horse. He is so intelligent.”

At the double!

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:46 , Matt Verri

The first five home...

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:43 , Matt Verri

1 - Corach Rambler

2 - Vanillier

3 - Gaillard du Mesnil

4 - Noble Yeats

5 - The Big Dog

Stunning ride!

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:41 , Matt Verri

CORACH RAMBLER WINS THE GRAND NATIONAL!

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:39 , Malik Ouzia

A wonderful performance!

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:38 , Malik Ouzia

Corach Rambler leads to the elbow! He’s clear by seven or eight but Vanillier is closing.

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:38 , Malik Ouzia

Corach Rambler is closing as they jump the last together!

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:38 , Malik Ouzia

Mister Coffey over the third-last in front. The Big Dog and Corach Rambler trying to close.

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:36 , Malik Ouzia

Mr Incredible has unseated. Five to jump.

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:36 , Malik Ouzia

They take the Canal Turn for the second time. Mister Coffey leads from Coko Beach and The Big Dog.

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:36 , Malik Ouzia

Delta Work and Eva’s Oskar have unseated!

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:35 , Malik Ouzia

Brilliant sit from Harry Cobden after a clunking mistake from Coko Beach. Any Second Now has been pulled up.

23 still running.

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:35 , Malik Ouzia

Dunboyne has been pulled up out the back of the field. We’ve bypassed what was the first last time and it looks like Galvin was one of those who went on the first circuit, so not the fairytale ending for Davy Russell.

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:34 , Malik Ouzia

Sam Brown and Gabbys Cross are both down at the Chair.

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:34 , Malik Ouzia

Mister Coffey not joins Coko Beach with Our Power pretty prominent as well. Corach Rambler is tucked away on the inside in about sixth or seventh.

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:32 , Malik Ouzia

Longhouse Poet is down at the Canal Turn, and then it looked like Lifetime Ambition was wiped out by a loose horse refusing to jump the next.

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:31 , Malik Ouzia

Coko Beach is making the early running under Harry Cobden along with three loose horses...

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:30 , Malik Ouzia

Chaos at the first two! We’ve lost The Big Breakaway, Diol Ker, Cloudy Glen and possibly two others...

And they’re off!

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:29 , Malik Ouzia

A bit later than billed, we’re away and racing in the National...

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:25 , Malik Ouzia

The reigning champ Noble Yeats is the last horse out of the paddock, a little buzzy. Sean Bowen waits until he gets out onto the course to hop on.

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:24 , Malik Ouzia

It looks like we’re going to be getting on with things ASAP. No parade, no national anthem, the runners and riders are out on the course and heading down to the start.

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:23 , Malik Ouzia

Word from the parade ring seems to be that the vast majority of the horses have taken this delay in their stride.

The nature of this race means the field is made up mainly of vastly experienced horses, who’ve run at the big festivals before.

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:18 , Malik Ouzia

Good news - the jockeys have just emerged from the weighing room to a huge roar from the crowd. Sam Waley-Cohen, last year’s winning jockey now retired, leads them out with the trophy.

And while all that was going on, there has been a big market move for last year’s winner, Noble Yeats, who is now in to joint-favourite at 8/1.

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:14 , Malik Ouzia

I suspect the issue now is that police will have to be doubly sure that the site is secured before the race can begin because the consequences of someone making it onto the track once the race has begun could be catastrophic.

Sounds like the main breach happened down at the far end of the course, towards the Canal Turn.

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:10 , Malik Ouzia

The main campaign group Animal Rising have been threatening to disrupt the race for some time, with the plans revealed by an undercover Mail on Sunday reporter last month.

Police promised a “robust” plan was in place but you can sympathise with the challenge of securing such a vast site.

Multiple champion trainer Nicky Henderson has just been on ITV expressing concerns for the welfare of the horses, who are now being sent back to the pre-parade ring, away from the crowds, as the delay continues.

Grand National set for delay

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:03 , Malik Ouzia

It looks likely at this stage that we could be set for a delay to the start. The horses are being held in the parade ring and paddock for now.

The jockeys have been told to stay in the weighing room for now.

BREAKING: Protestors attempt to break onto track

Saturday 15 April 2023 17:00 , Malik Ouzia

We’ve just seen some images of Animal Rising protestors attempting to break onto the track and being tackled by police.

It does appear as if some may have succeeded in attaching themselves to a fence on the race course.

More as we get it.

Ireland to continue dominance?

Saturday 15 April 2023 16:52 , Malik Ouzia

The last four winners of the National have all been trained in Ireland, with One For Arthur’s success in 2017 the last time the Brits claimed this race.

There are only 13 British-trained runners in the 39-strong field today, so the odds are against that streak ending today. Corach Rambler and Le Milos head the challenge.

Derek Fox fit to ride

Saturday 15 April 2023 16:45 , Malik Ouzia

There’s enough pressure going out to ride in a race like this whoever you’re on, but can you imagine what must be going through Derek Fox’s mind right now?

He’s not ridden since hurting his shoulder in a fall at Wetherby on April 6 but has been declared fit to take the ride on the well-fancied Corach Rambler.

Fox has given this horse sensational rides to win at Cheltenham two years on the spin, but if he can pick his way through this monster field to do it again it would top both.

Grand National market check

Saturday 15 April 2023 16:37 , Malik Ouzia

Right then, with 40-odd minutes to go until the Grand National, let’s take a look at the latest betting. We’ve still not got a clear favourite...

• Gaillard Du Mesnil 9/1

• Corach Rambler 9/1

• Delta Work 10/1

• Ain’t That A Shame 10/1

• Mr Incredible 11/1

• Le Milos 12/1

• Noble Yeats 14/1

• The Big Dog 14/1

• Any Second Now 16/1

• Capodanno 18/1

• Galvin 20/1

• Our Power 20/1

• 22/1 bar

Saturday 15 April 2023 16:32 , Malik Ouzia

Well, we said after the last race that Gordon Elliott’s horses looked to be flying ahead of the National and the same goes for the Skelton yard. That’s two winners on the day for Dan and Harry - what chance Le Milos makes it a third?

4:15pm William Hill Handicap Chase result

Saturday 15 April 2023 16:25 , Malik Ouzia

1. Midnight River 15/2

2. Bowtogreatness 12/1

3. Kinondo Kwetu 10/1

Midnight River finally finds some racing room and charges home!

Saturday 15 April 2023 16:22 , Malik Ouzia

It’s Harry and Dan Skelton again!

Saturday 15 April 2023 16:21 , Malik Ouzia

Shakem Up’arry and Eldorado Allen jump two-out together...

Saturday 15 April 2023 16:21 , Malik Ouzia

Beauport is a faller and takes Coconut Splash with him!

Saturday 15 April 2023 16:19 , Malik Ouzia

He looks in a nice rhythm out in front, does Eldorado Allen, a couple of lengths clear of Midnight River and Shakem Up’arry. A long way to go mind...

Saturday 15 April 2023 16:16 , Malik Ouzia

The grey Eldorado Allen, down in class today as he rejoins handicap company, leads them past the stands for the first time...

And they’re off!

Saturday 15 April 2023 16:15 , Malik Ouzia

Away and racing in the William Hill Handicap Chase...

4:15pm William Hill Handicap Chase

Saturday 15 April 2023 16:14 , Malik Ouzia

The runners are down at the start. Just over an hour until the big one...

4:15pm William Hill Handicap Chase

Saturday 15 April 2023 16:08 , Malik Ouzia

Right then, onto our final race before the Grand National. A competitive handicap chase over three miles, with Shame Up’arry - owned by Harry Redknapp - at the head of the betting around 5/1.

Blackmore: Ain’t That A Shame has ‘lovely profile’ for National

Saturday 15 April 2023 16:00 , Malik Ouzia

Rachael Blackmore made history when she won this race on Minella Times two years ago, becoming the first female Grand National winner.

Today, she rides Ain’t That A Shame for Henry de Bromhead and has been talking in her role as an ambassador for Betfair.

“I love the Grand National. It’s a class race, all that goes with it and all the history. It’s a great feeling, getting ready for the race again, knowing that I was lucky enough to win it before. Nobody expects to win the Grand National.

“You go there hoping, but you need so many things to fall your way. You only get one shot at most at winning it every year, if you are lucky enough to even get one shot at it, and even when you do, you usually have just one chance in 40 of winning it.

“There’s such a buzz in the weighing room, so much anticipation. And when you go out to ride in it, nobody is putting pressure on you. Go out and enjoy yourself.”

On her ride today - “Ain’t That A Shame has a lovely profile for the race. He was unlucky to be just beaten in the Munster National at Limerick in October, and it wasn’t my best day in the saddle when I finished fourth on him in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. But he won nicely at Gowran the last day, and it was no harm that the runner-up came out and won at Fairyhouse there at the weekend.

“You don’t really know how a horse will handle the track or the fences until you get out there, but he had a pop over the National fences at The Curragh, and he went well. I’d be confident that he will take to the fences fine. He travels well through his races, which is a big help. You’re just hoping that you can get into a nice position and find a nice racing rhythm over the first few fences. I am hopeful that he can.”

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:52 , Malik Ouzia

In the build-up to that race, Gordon Elliott was interviewed in the parade ring and effectively confirmed that Davy Russell will be bowing out at the end of the day.

The Irish trainer has clearly got his horses in flying form this week. Could Galvin deliver a fairytale send-off to match Sam Waley-Cohen’s a year ago?

Unlike Waley-Cohen, Russell has got a scheduled ride in the bumper an hour after the National. Suspect they might be on the hunt for a replacement if he gets up...

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:45 , Malik Ouzia

Jockey Mark Walsh has just been asked how on Earth he’s won that.

“I have no idea,” he says. “I was never on the bridle at any point.”

He traded at 199/1 in running.

3:35pm JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle result

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:43 , Malik Ouzia

1. Sire Du Berlais 8/1

2. Marie’s Rock 5/1

3. Flooring Porter 3/1 f

Incredible! Sire Du Berlais from a mile back!

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:41 , Malik Ouzia

He’s done it again to win from Marie’s Rock and Flooring Porter!

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:40 , Malik Ouzia

Marie’s Rock is going best of those trying to close...

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:40 , Malik Ouzia

Home By The Lee has sunk back through the field. Still it’s Flooring Porter with three to jump.

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:39 , Malik Ouzia

Flooring Porter’s just opened up a gap of a couple of lengths as they head out with a circuit to run. One or two have never really travelled.

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:38 , Malik Ouzia

Already Sire Du Berlais has had to be given a nudge at the back of the field, racing a little lazily. Flooring Porter continues to set the early pace ahead of Home By The Lee.

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:36 , Malik Ouzia

Flooring Porter, full of exuberance, pings out to make the running. Jumps a bit left at the first but we’ve seen Danny Mullins dictate like this plenty of times...

And they’re off!

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:35 , Malik Ouzia

Away and racing in the Liverpool Hurdle...

3:35pm JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:33 , Malik Ouzia

The runners are down at the start. The money has come for Flooring Porter, who is now into 3/1.

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:33 , Malik Ouzia

Some sad news to report from the previous race. Unfortunately, Dark Raven had to be put down after what looked a nasty fall.

Grand National: Runner-by-runner guide

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:29 , Malik Ouzia

37) Francky Du Berlais (Peter Bowen)

Was running a distant third behind Galvin and Delta Work when refusing at the last in Cheltenham’s Cross Country last month. Has experience over these fences but a doubtful stayer.

38) Fortescue (Henry Daly)

Never looked happy before unseating four-out in last year’s National. Ran better when fourth over the same fences in the Becher in December, before being pulled up in Welsh equivalent of this race.

39) Back On The Lash (Martin Keighley)

Cross country specialist who won for the second time over banks on Cheltenham Trials Day but again fluffed his lines off level weights at the Festival. Part-owned by Harry Redknapp and has attracted market support in recent days.

40) Born By The Sea (Paul John Gilligan)

Sneaks in at the bottom of the weights and may be sent off the rag of the field. Best form is over shorter trips and this looks well above his grade.

3:35pm JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1)

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:26 , Malik Ouzia

More Grade 1 action coming up next and this looks a wide open renewal of the Liverpool Hurdle over three miles.

You’ve got two-time Stayers’ Hurdle winner Flooring Porter well supported at the top of the market, Gavin Cromwell’s charge having lost his crown at Cheltenham last month after a hugely disrupted preparation.

Veteran Sire Du Berlais, who won this race last year, was the surprise beneficiary and is one of two JP McManus runners here, along with Champ, who skipped the Festival and has gone well fresh in the past.

Home By The Lee has looked a much-improved horse this year, Dashel Drasher has been extremely consistent and Marie’s Rock steps up to three miles, having disappointed in the Mares’ Hurdle after connections puzzled over which route to go down.

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:20 , Malik Ouzia

It’s 3:20pm which means it’s time, as I mentioned earlier, to remember the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster. Liverpool legends Ian Rush and Sir Kenny Dalglish are in the parade ring about to lay a wreath as the applause begins around the course.

Grand National: Runner-by-runner guide

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:18 , Malik Ouzia

33) Recite A Prayer (Willie Mullins)

The fifth runner for Ireland’s master trainer and by some margin the biggest outsider of the group. Looks likely to struggle for pace.

34) Eva’s Oskar (Tim Vaughan)

A proper trier, won at Cheltenham in December and carried top weight when finishing fourth in the Eider Chase at Newcastle. This is a big step up in class, though.

35) Our Power (Sam Thomas)

Two-out-of-two during light campaign so far this term. Officially well-handicapped after game victory at Kempton in late-February and should run a big race if finding more improvement.

36) Dunboyne (Gordon Elliott)

The last of six runners for the mob-handed Cullentra House stable. Chinned by Carefully Selected in the Thyestes, then fourth in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last time out.

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:14 , Malik Ouzia

We’ll have to see what Davy Russell says about his future later on in the day. Russell has already retired once this year, but came back only weeks later after Gordon Elliott’s No1 jockey Jack Kennedy suffered a broken leg.

For now, he’s focussed on riding Galvin in the Grand National, seeking to follow those two epic wins on Tiger Roll a few years back.

In terms of the race itself, Irish Point reaps the benefit of skipping Cheltenham - a familiar trope over the years. Another big form boost for Supreme winner Marine Nationale, too, after his win over Irish Point in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse late last year.

Davy Russell speaking to ITV...

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:10 , Malik Ouzia

On whether this is his final day in the saddle: “I don’t want to say it and come back for the third time but I’m enjoying it anyway, taking it all in.”

On Aintree: “It’s very special, a special place, I just hope the people of Liverpool and England realise what they have here. You can’t get this anywhere else in the world.”

3:00pm Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle result

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:09 , Malik Ouzia

1. Irish Point 5/1

2. Kateira 14/1

3. Hermes Allen 3/1 f

Irish Point driven out to win and Davy Russell does it again!

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:05 , Malik Ouzia

Kateira home in second a few back, with Hermes Allen in third.

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:04 , Malik Ouzia

Cool Survivor is down!

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:04 , Malik Ouzia

You Wear It Well leads them round the home turn with Authorised Speed for company...

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:03 , Malik Ouzia

Little change in the order as the tempo lifts again. Hermes Allen just moving up onto the shoulder of the leader.

And Dark Raven is a faller!

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:02 , Malik Ouzia

Six to jump and they’ve slowed to a real crawl as they head out on their second circuit...

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:01 , Malik Ouzia

You Wear It Well and Hermes Allen getting on with things out in front and looks like it’s the mare who will eventually take the solo lead.

And they’re off!

Saturday 15 April 2023 15:00 , Malik Ouzia

Away and racing in the Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle...

3:00pm Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:58 , Malik Ouzia

The runners are down at the start. Davy Russell is looking for his second Grade 1 success of the meeting on Irish Point, wearing the same Robcour colours as for yesterday’s triumph on Gerri Colombe.

Grand National: Runner-by-runner guide

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:52 , Malik Ouzia

29) Mister Coffey (Nicky Henderson)

The latest Seven Barrows inmate to try to end his legendary trainer’s long wait for a first National success. Several good showings this term but still yet to win over fences and did not take to the Aintree obstacles in the Topham.

30) Cloudy Glen (Venetia Williams)

Returned to form when third in the Grand National Trial at Haydock in February, before being pulled up in the Ultima at Cheltenham. Would appreciate more cut in the ground.

31) Hill Sixteen (Sandy Thomson)

Ran a cracker for second in last season’s Becher Chase but not high enough in the weights to get into the National. Makes the cut this time off a less promising preparation.

32) Gabbys Cross (Henry De Bromhead)

Has run with credit in several of Ireland’s top staying handicaps this term, including when third in Leinster National last time. Still questions over his jumping in second campaign over fences.

3:00pm Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:50 , Malik Ouzia

Our second Grade 1 of the afternoon and a really intriguing contest that should join a few of the dots in terms of this year’s novice hurdle form.

You’ve got Dark Raven, who was sixth in a Supreme that got a form-boost with Inthepocket yesterday, Challow Hurdle-winner Hermes Allen looking to bounce back from his Ballymore flop and then Irish Point, who bypassed Cheltenham altogether but had form with plenty of the top Irish novices earlier in the year.

Add in You Wear It Well, a good winner of the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, and Letsbeclearaboutit, who was fourth in the Albert Bartlett, and there’s plenty to unpick.

Grand National: Runner-by-runner guide

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:43 , Malik Ouzia

25) Ain’t That A Shame (Henry De Bromhead)

Second-season novice looks on the upgrade having gone close in two valuable handicaps before getting his head in front for the first time last time out. Yard in desperate form but defied similar concerns heading into Cheltenham and trainer won this race two years ago.

26) Corach Rambler (Lucinda Russell)

Back-to-back Cheltenham Festival winner, the antepost favourite since winning the Ultima is officially 10lbs well-in at the weights. Marathon trip could bring out more improvement, though run style is a concern. Huge chance if anywhere near contention two-out.

27) Enjoy D’Allen (Ciaran Murphy)

Sent off a 20/1 chance last year but unseated at the first. Suspicion is his best chance has been and gone after four disappointing showings this term.

28) Mr Incredible (Willie Mullins)

A bit of a character but might have mellowed a touch since moving to Closutton. Stamina no question after big effort to finish second over an extended trip in heavy ground at Warwick and third in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham suggests he comes in in good form.

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:39 , Malik Ouzia

Good Time Jonny’s flown home in fourth there having met all sorts of traffic up in the inside rail and eventually switching out. You can mark his performance up but I’m not sure he’d have got anywhere near the mare. Very impressive and a great nerve-settler for the Skelton team ahead of Le Milos in the National later.

2:25pm Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle result

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:36 , Malik Ouzia

1. West Balboa 9/2 f

2. Pounding Poet 50/1

3. Mill Green 14/1

4. Good Time Jonny 11/2

West Balboa draws away to win under Harry Skelton!

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:33 , Malik Ouzia

Pounding Poet was second at a huge price, Mill Green third - as he was at Cheltenham - and Good Time Jonny came from a long way back for fourth.

“I was running away, to be honest,” Skelton says on ITV. “I had a lot in hand.”

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:31 , Malik Ouzia

Now they start to bunch up in behind the long-time leader as they turn for home with three to jump...

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:29 , Malik Ouzia

Into the home straight for the first time, little change in the order and the whole field still travelling with eight to jump...

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:28 , Malik Ouzia

Outlaw`Peter leads them down the back under Harry Cobden, with Glimpse Of Gala alongside.

And they’re off!

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:26 , Malik Ouzia

Away and racing in the Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle...

2:25pm Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:24 , Malik Ouzia

The runners are down at the start...

Grand National: Runner-by-runner guide

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:21 , Malik Ouzia

21) A Wave Of The Sea (Joseph O’Brien)

Historically seen to best-effect over shorter trips, but ran a good fourth in the Munster National in October. Pulled up back over two miles in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham last month.

22) Minella Trump (Donald McCain)

Ran up an incredible sequence of nine wins and a second from ten starts between May 2021 and June 2022 but off the track for almost 300 days after the last of those and finished dead last on return over hurdles last month.

23) Vanillier (Gavin Cromwell)

Hugely impressive winner of the 2021 Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham as a novice hurdler but has only won once over fences, though has finally begun to show signs of improvement over the larger obstacles.

24) Velvet Elvis (Thomas Gibney)

Finished a decent sixth in last season’s Irish National and should be better for that experience, though yet to try the Aintree fences. Second to top-weight Any Second Now last time out. Lively outsider.

2:25pm Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:17 , Malik Ouzia

Time to turn our attention to the second race of the afternoon and a real puzzle of a handicap hurdle.

Good Time Jonny is your 5/1 favourite, fresh from that hugely impressive win in the Pertemps at Cheltenham.

Aintree to mark Hillsborough anniversary

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:10 , Malik Ouzia

Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Hillsborough Stadium Disaster, in which 97 Liverpool fans lost their lives during an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

A hugely significant day for the city and its people, and there will be a minute’s applause at 3:20pm at Aintree in honour of the victims.

Grand National: Runner-by-runner guide

Saturday 15 April 2023 14:00 , Malik Ouzia

13) Gaillard Du Mesnil (Willie Mullins)

Second-season novice broke his duck in Grade One company at Christmas, but was a fortunate winner of the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, benefitting from final-flight faller. Extended trip should suit.

14) Darasso (Joseph O’Brien)

Consistent horse but probably a better hurdler than chaser and yet to win over a staying trip, never mind this marathon one. Tough to make the case.

15) Le Milos (Dan Skelton)

Change of yard has worked wonders this term and landed the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury for trainer who has enjoyed plenty of big Saturday winners. Will need a more patient ride than given at Kelso last time.

16) Escaria Ten (Gordon Elliott)

NON-RUNNER

1:45pm - EFT Sytems Maghull Novices’ Chase

Saturday 15 April 2023 13:58 , Malik Ouzia

So another Grade 1 success for Jonbon, who has only ever been beaten twice in his career - both times when finishing second at the Cheltenham Festival.

As last year, he’s bounced back at Aintree and it’ll be interesting to see where Nicky Henderson and JP McManus opt to go with him next year. You suspect the Ryanair over two-and-a-half miles will be the long-term target.

1:45pm - EFT Sytems Maghull Novices’ Chase result

Saturday 15 April 2023 13:53 , Malik Ouzia

1. Jonbon 2/11 f

2. Marvel De Cerisy 15/2

Jonbon pulls well clear to win the opener!

Saturday 15 April 2023 13:51 , Malik Ouzia

Jonbon scampers away to win the EFT Sytems Maghull Novices’ Chase in fine style.

Calico went down at the final fence when well-beaten, but both he and rider Harry Skelton are up.

Saturday 15 April 2023 13:49 , Malik Ouzia

Calico is now the one trying to close from a way back...

Saturday 15 April 2023 13:49 , Malik Ouzia

Jonbon takes it up under Aidan Coleman four out...

Click here to read the full blog on The Evening Standard's website