Grand National 2024 – Gerri Colombe lands Aintree Bowl success

Gerri Colombe (9-4 favourite) won for the second succesive year at the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse as he went one better than at Cheltenham last month to land the William Bowl Chase on the opening day of this year's meeting.

Having been second to dual winner Galopin Des Champs in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup at last month's Cheltenham Festival, Gordon Elliott's eight-year-old he went one better. He had won the Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree last year having .similarly been second at Prestbury Park. And under Jack Kennedy, Gerri Colombe repeated the trick with another victory on Merseyside. Travelling well off the pace set by Bravesmansame, Kennedy brought Gerri Colombe through to challenge coming to the second to last fence as there were five contenders almost in a line jumping it. But it was Gerri Colombe and the Lucinda Russell-trained Ahoy Senor (17-2) – a Grade One winner over hurdles and fences at this meeting in the past – who forged ahead. But Gerri Colombe stayed on better for a half-length success over Ahoy Senor. Emmet Mullins' Corbetts Cross (10-3) was a further two-and-a-quarter lengths back in third.

READ MORE: Full list of final 34 runners for the 2024 Grand National

Elliott is already looking ahead to another crack at next year's Gold Cup. He said: "He was very tough, Jack said it wasn't happening the whole way and he felt a bit flat the whole way, but it shows the guts the horse has that he still won. Jack said he probably ended up in front too soon in the end, but he's a great horse who only does what he has to do and we're lucky to have him. Believe it or not, I actually think he could be a bit better on better ground. All roads lead back to the Gold Cup next year, we'll probably go the same route again and keep dreaming."

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Russell was delighted with the run of Ahoy Senor despite him having to settle for runner-up spot for a second year in a row, having been behind Shiskin 12 months ago. The nine-year-old has been out of form for much of the season, but Russell is now eyeing another run for Ahoy Senor at the Jumps season finale at Sandown later this momnth She said: "It feels like he's won, his jumping was phenomenal, he travelled really well – he's just back. I'm not sure what it is about this place, it's maybe the time of year, but he loves it round here. I think the flat track suits him. We'll maybe look at Sandown now for the Oaksey Chase. I wasn't watching the race closely as I was just shouting like mad but the other horse is a phenomenal horse and the Gold Cup form has stood up. It's just nice to see he has come of age, he can jump and travel whereas before he was running a bit like a freak and making the odd mistake."

READ MORE: Pinstickers' guide to all 34 Grand National runners

Russell will bid for a third Grand National victory with current 5-1 favourite and last year's winner Corach Rambler. But she added: "It doesn't calm the nerves for Saturday, though, how am I going to be able to watch that if I could barely watch this!"

Shishkin was a 5-2 in the defence of his crown after Nicky Henderson skipped a crack at the Cheltenham Gold Cup with his Seven Barrows' stable under a cloud at the time. While stablemate Sir Gino had won earlier on the card at Aintree, Shishkin couldn't add another Grade One success for the yard and was nine lengths back in fourth. Henderson said: "On this sort of track he just lacks a gear. He was always trying to get out, but couldn't when he wanted to. Surely we will go to Ireland where the track will suit him better and he's better going right handed. He's had three runs this season and that was his first since Newbury. He needs to sing for his supper."

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