Speed on show as Authorised takes Mersey test

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New tactics will be employed by jockey Jamie Moore as Authorised Speed bids to break his Grade One duck in the Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree on Saturday.

The six-year-old has won three of his his four starts over hurdles since being the first British-trained horse home in last season’s Cheltenham Champion Bumper.

The only blip in this sphere was defeat in the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown, a reverse subsequently glossed over when scoring with ease in calmer waters at the same track.

Gary Moore’s Horsham yard is in prime form and the trainer is hoping for a big run against 14 opponents.

He said: “He seems in good heart at home. Any more rain would be appreciated and hopefully he goes there and gives a good account of himself.

“It was very dead ground in the Tolworth and he wasn’t quite right on the day as it turned out.

“He needs time between his races and he’s had a reasonable amount of time this time.

“We will just ride him different up there. He will be fairly prominent, I’d say. It’s a speed track and it makes sense.

“He has a great owner (Pat Gallagher), so it would be good to see him win a Grade One for him. We have always thought a lot of this horse.”

You Wear It Well is one of two mares in the Aintree heat
You Wear It Well is one of two mares in the Aintree heat (Mike Egerton/PA)

Jamie Snowden insists You Wear It Well, one of two mares in the line-up, is in better shape than ever, following her Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle success at Cheltenham.

Though she has a bit to find with Hermes Allen, who beat her in the Challow at Newbury in December, Snowden feels she has improved, with a step back up in trip also a benefit.

He said: “Obviously she came out of Cheltenham really well. She is looking great in herself, in fact she’s probably looking better than she has all season.

“She is really blossoming, so comes here hopefully with a chance. We are taking on the boys, so she has got to step forward again, but she gets a 7lb allowance, considering she had the penalty at Cheltenham. She has got a lot in her favour and stepping up in trip will help her.”

Gordon Elliott feels improvement will be forthcoming from Irish Point
Gordon Elliott feels improvement will be forthcoming from Irish Point (Mike Egerton/PA)

The Willie Mullins-trained Dark Raven and Gordon Elliott’s Irish Point spearhead the Irish challenge.

The latter has twice been runner-up in Irish Grade Ones and picked up a Grade Three over an extended mile and seven furlongs at Naas last time.

Elliott said: “I was very happy with his win at Naas last time.

“He was good and honest when the going got tough. I’m hoping there is more improvement in him and we’re looking forward to seeing how he gets on.”

The EFT Systems Magull Novices’ Chase, which opens the seven-race card on Grand National day, will see Jonbon attempt to atone for his defeat by El Fabiolo in the Arkle.

That was a first loss over fences for Nicky Henderson’s star, who takes on four rivals in the two-mile Grade One event.

Jonbon will bid to go one better than in the Arkle
Jonbon will bid to go one better than in the Arkle (David Davies/PA)

Henderson said: “We were toying with the two-and-a-half-mile race but in the end we just liked the look of the two-mile race for him, it just seemed the obvious place for him.

“He’s a very good horse, has only lost twice in his life and both at the (Cheltenham) Festival. He’s been great for us and he’s in very good form.”

Though the field does not appear to have the depth of the Arkle, there are a couple of unexposed types who could surprise.

Patrick Neville hopes Fusain, who slammed Stag Horn by 35 lengths at Catterick last time, is one of them.

He said: “He’s in great form and we’re happy with him going down there. He’s a horse who had a few problems, but we seem to have sorted them all out.

“He had wind surgery and a couple of other issues, but he’s sorted and hopefully he’s improving away. We’re looking forward to it. We are just taking a chance in a Grade One.

“Going back to two miles won’t be a problem and I think the track will suit him. It’s a speed track and a flat track, so hopefully that will help. It won’t be easy with Jonbon in there, but we’ll have a go.”

Randox Grand National 2023 – Pinstickers’ Guide

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Saturday sees the 175th running of the Grand National at Aintree.

Corach Rambler currently heads the betting but here, the PA news agency runs through the entire field.

1. ANY SECOND NOW (Ted Walsh) Rating (out of 10) 7
Third in 2021 and runner-up last year, he bids to go one better for a trainer who has a good record in the race. This classy performer must buck history, for not since 1899 has an 11-year-old managed to win race carrying as much weight.

Any Second Now (right) has a good Aintree record
Any Second Now has a good Aintree record (Brian Lawless/PA)

2. NOBLE YEATS (Emmet Mullins) 9
A shock 50-1 winner last year, his Gold Cup fourth was a good effort and while he carries over a stone more than last year, age and experience are on his side.

3. GALVIN (Gordon Elliott) 9
Talented but inconsistent recently, stamina is seemingly not a problem for this Grade One winner who landed Cheltenham’s National Hunt Chase two years ago and finished fourth in the Gold Cup last year. Always regarded as National prospect.

4. FURY ROAD (Gordon Elliott) 6
A solid jumper who represents the same connections as dual winner Tiger Roll. A Grade One-winning novice chaser, he did seem to run out of steam when third in the Irish Gold Cup and was well held in the Ryanair at Cheltenham.

5. THE BIG DOG (Peter Fahey) 7
Bounced back this season to take the Munster National and the Troytown at Navan, and was placed in the Welsh National. Led to three out in the Irish Gold Cup but uncharacteristically fell at the penultimate fence. Each-way claims.

6. CAPODANNO (Willie Mullins) 5
Owned by JP McManus, he bids to become only the second seven-year-old to win the National since Bogskar in 1940 after Noble Yeats last year. A Grade One winner but lacks experience and stamina is unproven.

7. DELTA WORK (Gordon Elliott) 7
Having denied stablemate Tiger Roll a fairytale farewell at Cheltenham last year, he followed up again in the same race last month beating Galvin. A distant third in this last year, he is slightly better off at the weights this time.

8. SAM BROWN (Anthony Honeyball) 6
Beaten just four lengths by Bravemansgame at Wetherby, he had not looked his best in two subsequent chase starts on unsuitable ground. Promising signs over hurdles at Uttoxeter and has won over regulation fences at Aintree before.

9. LIFETIME AMBITION (Jessica Harrington) 8
Only once out of the first four in 22 starts for his astute trainer. Likes to be up with the pace and has shown best form on soft ground. Fourth in the Grand Sefton on his first try over these fences. Could have a say if he sees out the trip.

10. CAREFULLY SELECTED (Willie Mullins) 7
Lightly-raced 11-year-old who justified favouritism in the Thyestes at Gowran on only his second run back after 30 months off. Has a touch of class and should go well if his jumping holds up.

11. COKO BEACH (Gordon Elliott) 8
Up with the pace before tiring from two out to finish eighth last year. Stronger this year, he jumped well when cosily taking the Punchestown Grand National Trial and his trainer’s runners must always be respected. Live outsider.

12. LONGHOUSE POET (Martin Bassil) 10
A fair sixth in 2022 despite racing with the choke out for much of the contest. Has had his mark protected with three hurdle runs this term by a trainer who won in 2006 with Numbersixvalverde. Prefers ease in the ground and if settling, holds strong claims.

13. GAILLARD DU MESNIL (Willie Mullins) 7
Opened his account over fences in a Grade One at Leopardstown over Christmas and stayed on from well off the pace to get up in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. Improver, though this may come a year too soon.

14. DARASSO (Joseph O’Brien) 3
Chased home Hewick in the Galway Plate but has never won beyond two and three-quarter miles. Not one for the shortlist.

Gordon Elliott has six runners
Gordon Elliott has six runners (David Davies/PA)

15. LE MILOS (Dan Skelton) 8
Has come into his own this season, winning a decent renewal of what used to be the Hennessy Gold Cup. Jumps, stays and has a decent weight, so ticks plenty of boxes for a trainer who knows the time of day. Leading chance.

16. ESCARIA TEN (Gordon Elliott) 4
Beaten a nose by Any Second Now in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse last season but stamina limitations were exposed, not for the first time, when weakening late to finish ninth in the National last year.

17. THE BIG BREAKAWAY (Joe Tizzard) 7
Produced some decent form this season, including a another narrow defeat in the Welsh Grand National. Jumps, stays and has a decent weight. Potential to run a big race, provided his Cheltenham run did not take too much out of him.

18. CAPE GENTLEMAN (John Joseph Hanlon) 3
A fair novice chaser who has shown little in recent runs to inspire much confidence, but represents a very capable trainer.

19. ROI MAGE (Patrick Griffin) 7
Ex-French Grade Three winner who really upped his game on anything he had previously shown for his current yard in conceding 5lb when a gallant runner-up to Longhouse Poet at Down Royal. Could be a player at decent odds.

20. DIOL KER (Noel Meade) 6
One win in 13 over fences came in the Leinster National. Blinkers helped when short-headed in a valuable Leopardstown handicap but disappointed since. Capable of better for his savvy trainer, however stamina doubts remain.

21. A WAVE OF THE SEA (Joseph O’Brien) 4
Represents powerful connections and young enough to think there is improvement to come. Three chase wins have all come over two and a half miles or shorter, though, and was pulled up in the Grand Annual last time out.

22. MINELLA TRUMP (Donald McCain) 5
Rattled up a six-timer as a novice in 2021 and won Perth Gold Cup in June. Last over seven over hurdles on recent comeback.

23. VANILLIER (Gavin Cromwell) 6
Clearly has class, but not proven so good over fences, with a sole success coming in a weak four-runner Grade Two. Runner-up finish to Kemboy in the Bobbyjo showed improvement, but trip is a concern.

24. VELVET ELVIS (Thomas Gibney) 3
Two wins from 10 over fences have both come at three miles. Close-up sixth in the Irish Grand National last April and second to Any Second Now when last seen. Another for whom this looks too soon.

25. AIN’T THAT A SHAME (Henry De Bromhead) 6
Was close up in the Munster National and Paddy Power Chase before getting off the mark over fences at the seventh time of asking. Inexperience is the drawback for this lightly-raced improver from a top yard.

26. CORACH RAMBLER (Lucinda Russell) 8
Dual winner at Cheltenham, he bids to give the Scottish yard its second win in the race after One For Arthur in 2017. Had a hard race when winning at Cheltenham again, but always been regarded as a horse tailor-made for this race.

Corach Rambler leads the betting
Corach Rambler leads the betting (Andrew Milligan/PA)

27. ENJOY D’ALLEN (Ciaran Murphy) 3
Third in the Irish National two years ago is as good as it has got. Unseated at the first last year and has shown little subsequently, yet cannot be discounted given his connections.

28. MR INCREDIBLE (Willie Mullins) 7
Relished the step up to three miles and five furlongs when chasing home Iwilldoit in heavy ground at Warwick. A fine third in the Kim Muir, he could win but equally could plant his feet at the start.

29. MISTER COFFEY (Nicky Henderson) 5
Did not appear to take to the fences in the Topham, but ran a cracker to be third in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. His master trainer may have to wait a while longer to win the one big race missing from his CV.

30. CLOUDY GLEN (Venetia Williams) 6
Former Coral (Hennessy) Gold Cup winner who finished third to stablemate Quick Wave on his first run following over a year off at Haydock in February. Pulled up subsequently in the Ultima. Stays well and soft ground would aid his chance.

31. HILL SIXTEEN (Sandy Thomson) 6
Last season’s Becher Chase runner-up was seventh in this year’s renewal of that race. More needed, though an assured jumper and no forlorn hope at big odds.

32. GABBYS CROSS (Henry De Bromhead) 6
Quick enough to win over two and a half miles as a novice, he had plenty of support when eighth in the Thyestes at Gowran Park. Followed that with a fine third in the Leinster National. Handles soft ground and should stay.

33. RECITE A PRAYER (Willie Mullins) 4
Cork National third needs to improve on his last two runs. Will likely stay, but in his own time.

34. EVA’S OSKAR (Tim Vaughan) 5
Was in good form earlier this season and put up a career-best in winning at Cheltenham in December. A distant Eider fourth was a fine effort under top-weight at Newcastle, but the grey needs to find a little more.

35. OUR POWER (Sam Thomas) 7
A tidy, accurate jumper who is well handicapped on the back of wins at Ascot and Kempton. Trainer does well with staying chasers and every chance of going well.

Noble Yeats won in 2022
Noble Yeats won in 2022 (Steven Paston/PA)

36. DUNBOYNE (Gordon Elliott) 6
In good form this year. Came close to landing the Thyestes Chase before a decent effort when fourth in the Kim Muir. Will need to bely his relative inexperience to be a factor.

37. FRANCKY DU BERLAIS (Peter Bowen) 2
Easily held in the Becher and while he took well to Cheltenham’s cross-country course on his penultimate start, he refused after running well for a long way the second time. Plenty to find.

38. FORTESCUE (Henry Daly) 3
Becher fourth is the only worthwhile form shown this term and was going backwards when unseating four out last year.

39. BACK ON THE LASH (Martin Keighley) 4
Part-owned by Harry Redknapp, if transferring his liking for Cheltenham’s cross-country course to these iconic fences, he is not without hope. Should stay, yet perhaps lacks a touch of class.

40. BORN BY THE SEA (Paul John Gilligan) 1
Massive stamina doubts having spent the large majority of his career racing over shorter and even that form leaves him with plenty to find.

VERDICT:

Another wide-open renewal of the world’s most famous steeplechase in which Irish trainers have provided four of the last five winners.

Strength in numbers means it is worth siding with the Irish raiders again. While Gordon Elliott, who scored with Tiger Roll in 2020 and 2021, is well positioned with several live chances, Martin Brassil also knows what it takes to win this and in LONGHOUSE POET he has a horse with many of the right credentials. A little too keen last year, he has been primed for this all season and if keeping clear of trouble near the head of affairs again, he is expected to run a huge race.

All distances seem to come alike to Noble Yeats, who has done little wrong since scoring last year. History is against him, but he is one for the shortlist again, especially as there has been sufficient recovery time from his Gold Cup exploits.

Picking the best of Elliott’s bunch is no easy task, although Galvin has a touch of class and could run into a place. Lifetime Ambition is wholly consistent and, if taking to the course, might take some valuable prize-money for Jessica Harrington.

Corach Rambler, Le Milos, Roi Mage and Vanillier and are all of interest, but could just miss out on the placings.

1. LONGHOUSE POET. 2. Noble Yeats. 3. Galvin. 4. Lifetime Ambition.

Henderson has plenty to consider, as big guns oblige at Aintree

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Nicky Henderson’s two stable stars both won their sixth Grade Ones at Aintree on Thursday. But it is fair to say in rather different circumstances.

While Constitution Hill’s cruise to victory in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle went according to plan, Shishkin’s game success in the Alder Hey Aintree Bowl was – like his season as a whole – far from straightforward.

Nevertheless, it will have been a relief to the master of Seven Barrows that Shishkin is ending his campaign on a winning note given how it started in the Tingle Creek, and if anything he looked as if the Gold Cup distance will be well within his compass.

As for Constitution Hill, what is there left to say? The result was never in doubt, we already know there is not another hurdler in training capable of getting him off the bridle. How he is campaigned next term at least gives us something to dream about.

There are plenty who would love to see Henderson and owner Michael Buckley give him the chance to emulate the great mare Dawn Run, the only horse who has won the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup. However, they would surely be passing up the chance to win multiple Champion Hurdles, and who can blame them if they are tempted by that?

“You can do anything you like with him, people questioned whether he would stay two and a half miles, he’ll stay any miles you like and you can go to the front or you can go to the back,” said Henderson.

“Nobody else was going to go on today so what was the point messing about, he may as well just get on with it.

“He jumps so beautifully, doesn’t he. I think that was probably the easiest race to watch with him, he was always going well and when you are travelling like that, in a slightly slower gear over two and a half, it makes it even easier for him.

“He’s deadly accurate and so natural. We’ll probably school him before we put him to bed (for the summer), just so we know what we are talking about. But I honestly don’t know right now what we’ll do.”

As for Shishkin, he has gone from being the perfect pupil to something of an enigma – albeit still very much a top-class one.

Having won 10 races in a row it all went wrong in last year’s Champion Chase and he was well beaten in the Tingle Creek on his return.

Shishkin and jockey Nico de Boinville
Shishkin and jockey Nico de Boinville (Mike Egerton/PA)

He had a wind operation, was stepped up in trip and looked as good as ever when winning at Ascot before he jumped deplorably in the Ryanair at Cheltenham before staying on into second.

Upped even further to three miles, he wore down Ahoy Senor and now the King George – and maybe even the Gold Cup – is on his agenda.

“He was so much better today than at Cheltenham. He does finish very well, he’s tough and he stays, but he is getting quite lazy in his races,” said Henderson.

“He’s won that by staying – his first race over three miles – so the trainer has got it wrong for the last two years, we know that!

“We admitted that after the Tingle Creek, he won a Grade One over two-mile-five at Ascot, we thought we were right staying at that trip in the Ryanair but to be honest he wouldn’t have won over any trip.

“Three miles is where we’ll stay, we won’t be coming back. I know the Gold Cup is not much further than this, but it is a different track. The obvious place is the King George, then take it from there. Whether you go Betfair and then King George, you are fairly limited in your options but the King George is the obvious target. He won’t go to Punchestown now.

“He used to be very straightforward but, like everybody, he gets a bit creaky.

Famous victory for Will Biddick and Chris Barber

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Famous Clermont provided top amateur Will Biddick with his first victory in the Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase at Aintree.

The two-mile-five-furlong contest is the only race run over Grand National fences confined to amateur riders and has previously been won by the likes Nina Carberry, Jamie Codd and last year’s Grand National hero Sam Waley-Cohen.

Having impressed in winning hunter chases at Wincanton and Haydock in February before finishing sixth at the Cheltenham Festival last month, the Chris Barber-trained Famous Clermont was among the market principals at 9-2 and was among several still in with a chance leaving the back straight.

Biddick appeared keen to deliver his challenge late, but had no option but to allow his mount to stride to the front before the elbow and he only had to be nudged out from there home to win comfortably by just under five lengths.

Famous Clermont (right) jumps the final fence at Aintree
Famous Clermont (right) jumps the final fence at Aintree (Mike Egerton/PA)

Bennys King filled the runner-up spot, with Lough Derg Spirit third and last year’s winner Latenightpass a creditable fourth after giving a bold sight in front for a long way.

Biddick said: “I’ve been around for 20 seasons now and I think my first ride round here was Le Duc in 2009 (finished fifth).

“I’ve had a few seconds and I’ve been knocking on the door. It’s a big thing for the amateurs to win this race – here and Cheltenham are our Gold Cups. To do it is massive.

“This horse has come up through the point-to-point ranks and has really got his act together in his last two or three runs. We had a go at Cheltenham to see if he would stay and it proved he doesn’t really get the extended three miles.

“Today he landed in front after the last and pricked his ears and I thought I’d got him beat, but he is a class act.”

Barber said: “It still hasn’t sunk in. Will gave him a peach of a ride.

“This has been the target since the start of the season and I have to thank Jamie who rides him at home and Rupert Nuttall, who has worked so hard on his jumping.

“I didn’t watch much of the race until they turned in. When they crossed the Melling Road I thought we might be starting to push but he came back into the bridle and kept on galloping.

“The owners have been offered a lot of money for him multiple times, but the plan will be to come back here in 12 months and try to do the double. All the signs before today were good at home.

“My grandfather (Richard Barber) won this race and was such a successful trainer. In everything I do I try to make my grandfather proud.”

There was, however, a sad postscript, with Aintree confirming the Keiran Burke-trained Envoye Special was unable to be saved following a fall while running loose after unseating at the ninth fence.

A spokesperson said: “Envoye Special was immediately attended to by our expert veterinary professionals during the Foxhunters’ Steeple Chase.

“After assessment, sadly they concluded the necessary course of action for the horse’s welfare was to put him to sleep. Our sincere sympathies are with his connections.”

Paddy Brennan celebrates the victory of Dysart Enos
Paddy Brennan celebrates the victory of Dysart Enos (Tim Goode/PA)

Dysart Enos ran out a wide-margin winner of the Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race under a jubilant Paddy Brennan.

The five-year-old had looked a smart prospect in winning her first two bumper starts for Fergal O’Brien, particularly when beating the highly-rated Queens Gamble in a Market Rasen Listed event on her most recent outing.

She faced another hike in class for this Grade Two test, but proved more than up to the task as she powered nine lengths clear of runner-up Golden Ace, allowing Brennan to punch the air passing the post – celebrating his birthday in style.

O’Brien said: “We were hopeful coming here as she was very impressive at Market Rasen but we maybe thought we were a bit flattered on the day there, maybe it didn’t suit Oliver’s horse (Sherwood, Queens Gamble) but she was phenomenal, that was beyond even what we could hope.

“I told the boys maybe we could sneak into the first three but what a run, she cruised all the way.

“I bought her at the Goffs Sale here last year and it’s Paddy’s birthday today so a big shout to him as well.

“She’s not the most straightforward so it’s a big team effort with her, Tom Broughton, who rode in the Foxhunters’ for us, rides her every day.

“Next year the programme should sort itself out, and she’s won a point-to-point so she jumps well.”

Dancing On My Own and Rachael Blackmore after winning at Aintree
Dancing On My Own and Rachael Blackmore after winning at Aintree (Mike Egerton/PA)

Rachael Blackmore steered last year’s runner-up Dancing On My Own (15-2) to go one better in the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase.

Henry de Bromhead’s nine-year-old had been well beaten in two previous outings this season, both at Fairyhouse, but a return to Aintree conjured a return to form as he finished strongly to deny the bold-jumping Douglas Talking by a length and a half.

De Bromhead said: “We took him to Cheltenham for the Festival but the ground had gone for him, so we took him home without running.

“He ran really well in this race last year. In fairness the Mulryans who own him have been very patient. Cheltenham was frustrating, but he must have better ground as it makes such a difference to him.

“He loves a battle, he’s tough as teak and we’ve always felt he’s better left-handed so I’d probably say no to Punchestown. We’ll enjoy today and make a plan. We have a decent record in this race.”

Constitution Hill in cruise control once again

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Constitution Hill put the seal on a flawless campaign with a dominant performance in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle.

So impressive in winning last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham by 22 lengths, Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old has taken the step up into the big league this year with consummate ease.

Having left his top-class stablemate Epatante trailing in his wake in both the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and the Christmas Hurdle, he produced another spectacular display in last month’s Champion Hurdle and was unsurprisingly cramped odds to make it seven from seven over hurdles on Merseyside.

What followed was another exhibition round from Constitution Hill (2-15), with jockey Nico de Boinville sending him to the front from the drop of the flag before upping the ante in the back straight.

Another stroll for Constitution Hill
Another stroll for Constitution Hill (Tim Goode/PA)

The chasing pack had closed the gap by the time he turned for home, but De Boinville was still motionless in the saddle and only had push his mount out on the run-in to score by three lengths.

Sharjah came from the rear of the field to beat Zanahiyr to the runner-up spot, with last year’s winner Epatante only fourth this time around as her remarkable stable companion again stole the show.

Questions will now inevitably turn to what the future holds for Constitution Hill, with Henderson already stating his intention to give the sport’s pre-eminent star a spring schooling session over fences before a decision is made on what route he will pursue next term.

Nico de Boinville and Constitution Hill were again brilliant
Nico de Boinville and Constitution Hill were again brilliant (PA)

Speaking afterwards, Henderson did not want to be drawn further on whether a chasing career could await next season, and in fact indicated he could stay hurdling.

“That couldn’t have been more straightforward. Two and a half miles out there on your own, your mind could wander, but he’s just had a doddle around and was in second gear the whole way,” said the Seven Barrows handler.

“He does jump doesn’t he. He’s got such versatility. We spoke this morning and said he’d have to make it, don’t mess about and keep it simple. Nico said he was hardly doing anything on the way round.

“I’m sure he’d get three miles, but there’ll be no decisions made today about next year. We’re not edging one way or the other. I’m not saying we won’t school him over a fence, but we’re not leaning any way.

“As long as he keeps doing it like that we’ve got a long summer to look back on it and enjoy it and talk about what will happen next.

“I don’t think we’ll school him on Saturday! I might the Saturday after! I don’t know, we’ll just have a think.

Nicky Henderson debriefs the media
Nicky Henderson debriefs the media (David Davies for The Jockey Club)

“There’s only so many races he can run in next year, Fighting Fifth, Christmas Hurdle, I do think the International will come into it on Trials day and then Champion Hurdle and come here. Some might say that’s boring, but we won’t find it boring. All options are still open and we won’t make a decision until the autumn I’d have thought.”

Like Henderson, proud owner Michael Buckley was rather non-committal about the future.

He said: “It’s nerve-wracking to be honest. I probably shouldn’t say that, but it is. I suppose that’s my temperament rather than anything to do with the horse, who is spectacular.

“I thought we might pay the late entry fee and run him in the National on Saturday, how would that do? I don’t know what we’ll do, I just want to enjoy this and praise Nicky as he’s won with two horses today who were both winning their sixth Grade Ones. We’ll enjoy that, it’s enough for one day.”

Meanwhile, Rich Ricci said of the Willie Mullins-trained Sharjah: “It was a fantastic run from Sharjah, he’s been a great servant and he’s run into a lot of good horses but made us a lot of money.

“He might go to Punchestown and next season we might pop him over a fence or two and see if we can do a Faugheen with him.

“I’m not sure the step up in trip suited Constitution Hill, but if he is indeed the next superstar we will steer clear of him.”

Iroko makes leap from handicap glory to Grade One test

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Cheltenham Festival hero Iroko tests the water at Grade One level for the first time in the Winners Wear Cavani Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree on Friday.

The five-year-old provided the training team of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero with the biggest success of their fledgling operation to date when carrying the colours of JP McManus to victory in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle in the Cotswolds last month.

Iroko made it three from three for the season at Cheltenham following back-to-back wins at Wetherby earlier in the campaign and Greenall believes the step up to three miles on Merseyside can help elevate his game to another level.

“He’s the second top-rated horse in the race, so I think he deserves a crack at it,” he said.

“He came out of Cheltenham well and having that extra week between there and Aintree has helped him.

“The softer the ground, the better for him. The flat track is a bit of a concern, but I think the extra trip will be ideal.”

Another Festival winner out to follow up is Albert Bartlett scorer Stay Away Fay. His trainer Paul Nicholls is confident of another bold showing.

“He was so impressive in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham, making much of the running and showing a great attitude to see off the opposition in the closing stages,” the champion trainer told Betfair.

“He seems very well and this looks a suitable target. He continues to please at home, has an obvious chance and will make a cracking chaser next season.”

Donald McCain’s Maximilian got the better of Stay Away Fay to lift the River Don Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster in January and connections deliberately skipped Cheltenham to wait for Aintree.

Donald McCain's Maximilian
Donald McCain’s Maximilian (Steven Paston/PA)

McCain said: “We’ve had a nice run at it and he’s fine, no problems.

“He’s a fresh horse and we’ve aimed for this since Doncaster, so we’re looking forward to it.

“He’s not flash and he doesn’t really do anything impressively but he knows how to win, so let’s hope that continues.”

Another horse who sidestepped the Festival is Absolute Notions, who was last seen finishing second to Good Land at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Speaking in a stable tour on www.attheraces.com, trainer Gordon Elliott said: “We decided to skip Cheltenham to keep him fresh for Aintree and he’s in great form.

Absolute Notions at Punchestown
Absolute Notions at Punchestown (Niall Carson/PA)

“We think the step up in trip is going to suit him. The one thing I’d say is that he wouldn’t want too much rain – he prefers a sounder surface.”

Elliott has a strong hand on day two of the Grand National meeting and will be hoping to get the afternoon off to a flyer with Gerri Colombe in the opening Air Charter Service Mildmay Novices’ Chase.

The seven-year-old suffered his first defeat in four starts over fences when beaten a short head by The Real Whacker in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham and Elliott is confident he can go one better.

He said: “He’s an intended runner in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase and we’ll welcome every drop of rain.

“He was just a bit unlucky to be beaten at the Cheltenham Festival. I’d say if you ran the race again tomorrow, he’d win it, but it doesn’t work like that unfortunately. Hopefully he can get back to winning ways on Friday.”

Gerri Colombe at Sandown earlier in the season
Gerri Colombe at Sandown earlier in the season (Steven Paston/PA)

Gerri Colombe’s rivals include Complete Unknown, who has his sights raised by Nicholls following a wide-margin handicap win at Kempton.

“He was always going to be a chaser, has taken to fences like a natural this season and comes to Aintree on the back of a 16-length victory at Kempton off a mark of 142,” Nicholls added.

“He is progressing nicely and should be competitive, with Gerri Colombe the one to beat.”

Elliott and Nicholls are also represented in the Poundland Top Novices’ Hurdle, Elliott by Found A Fifty and Nicholls by Rubaud and Tahmuras.

Found A Fifty has an obvious form chance after being beaten a head by the high-class Corbetts Cross in a Naas Grade Two on his most recent outing.

Elliott said: “He ran a belter at Naas and has improved since then. I think he’s a very good horse and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.”

Rubaud won the Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle at Kempton last time out, but is the apparent second string behind Tahmuras, who needs to bounce back from a disappointing run in the Supreme at Cheltenham.

“He has won three times over hurdles this season, most recently at Kempton, and has earned this step up to a Grade One race,” said Nicholls.

“Tahmuras’ form has been smart this season until things didn’t go his way at Cheltenham. I’m not sure what happened that day but he seems in very good form at home and it’s encouraging that this track is much like Haydock, where he won so impressively in November.”

Henry de Bromhead’s Inthepocket contests the same race after a fourth-placed run in the Supreme under Rachael Blackmore, who rides again.

Rachael Blackmore and Inthepocket
Rachael Blackmore and Inthepocket (David Davies/PA)

She told Betfair: “Inthepocket ran very well in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. He travelled well for me and he kept on well to finish fourth, just over six lengths behind Marine Nationale.

“This looks like a very competitive race, as you would expect for a Grade One, but none of the first three home in the Supreme are running.

“Inthepocket seems to have come out of Cheltenham well. I think that he is a horse with a big future, he has lots of potential. He travels well and he jumps well and I hope that he can run a big race.”

Super Shishkin shines on step up to three miles

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The King George VI Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup could be among Shishkin’s targets next season after the top-class chaser kicked in the turbo to secure the Alder Hey Aintree Bowl.

Nicky Henderson’s charge earned superstar status by winning his first 10 completed starts over obstacles, a run which included successive victories at the Cheltenham Festival and three Grade Ones.

The wheels came off in last season’s Champion Chase, with Henderson putting his abject performance on desperate ground down to a rare bone condition, while a fairly uninspiring start to the current campaign in the Tingle Creek at Sandown suggested his best days may be behind him.

Not for the first time, however, Henderson weaved his magic, getting Shishkin back to something like his best when stepped up in trip for February’s Ascot Chase, after which he did remarkably well to finish second in last month’s Ryanair after a performance lacking much zest.

The Seven Barrows handler felt the time had come for his former star two-miler over three miles and he was the 7-4 favourite to successfully graduate to the staying trip on Merseyside.

Once again it was not entirely plain sailing, with Nico de Boinville having to get lower in the saddle on a couple of occasions while Ahoy Senor attempted to make all under Brian Hughes.

Nico de Boinville celebrates Shishkin's Aintree success
Nico de Boinville celebrates Shishkin’s Aintree success (Mike Egerton/PA)

The latter looked likely to prevail after drawing clear between the final two fences, but as has been the case on a few occasions over the years, Shishkin saved his best for late in the day, thrusting home on the run-in to get up and beat Ahoy Senor by a length and a half.

Henderson said: “He’s a very good horse and that was a very good race, fair play to Ahoy Senor, he was going well in the Gold Cup when he came down. It was a genuine Grade One race. We were almost here to find out who was second best – without Bravemansgame we haven’t really solved that.

“He was so much better today than at Cheltenham. He does finish very well, he’s tough and he stays but he is getting quite lazy in his races.

“He’s won that by staying – his first race over three miles – so the trainer has got it wrong for the last two years, we know that!

“We admitted that after the Tingle Creek, he won a Grade One over two-mile-five at Ascot, we thought we were right staying at that trip in the Ryanair but to be honest he wouldn’t have won over any trip.

“There were a few issues, he was very sore all over and we’ve had lots of people working on him. We took the tongue tie off as he didn’t like that. We’ve got to tweak things and that’s our job. I think it’s body not mind.”

Henderson will now stick at three miles with Shishkin, with the King George VI Chase at Kempton an “obvious” target next term.

He added: “Three miles is where we’ll stay, we won’t be coming back. I know the Gold Cup is not much further than this but it is a different track. The obvious place is the King George, then take it from there. Whether you go Betfair and then King George, you are fairly limited in your options but the King George is the obvious target. He won’t go to Punchestown now.

“He used to be very straightforward but like everybody, he gets a bit creaky. We had the four weeks and it’s all worked.

“When you are racing over three miles you want them racing lazily, you don’t want them to be keen when you up them in trip. You’d rather see him wake up a little bit more, we’ll see, I might have a few more tricks yet.”

Ahoy Senor (red) was just denied by Shishkin
Ahoy Senor (red) was just denied by Shishkin (Mike Egerton/PA)

Lucinda Russell was more than satisfied with Ahoy Senor’s effort in defeat.

She said: “I’m exceedingly proud of him and let’s face it, Shishkin is a fabulous horse who keeps galloping.

“It must have been hard for Brian (Hughes) who had never ridden him before, but he thought he had them at the last.

“I think he got tired eight strides before the last, he made that mistake and he was slightly on the back foot.”

A Plus Tard was the only other finisher in the five-runner heat, with Conflated and Ga Law both pulled up.

Henry de Bromhead was upbeat after A Plus Tard's third place
Henry de Bromhead was upbeat after A Plus Tard’s third place (Tim Goode/PA)

Despite being beaten a total of 17 and a half lengths, Henry de Bromhead was pleased to see A Plus Tard finish his first race this year, having been pulled up in both the Betfair Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup on his only two starts.

He said: “Obviously he didn’t finish off the race as well as we would have liked but there were still positives.

“It was effectively his first run of the year, and Rachael (Blackmore) said he jumped and travelled well but got tired.

“She was happy with him until then and he’s heading back in the right direction.

“We are happier than we were and that will be it because he’s so much better going left-handed, and we won’t look towards Punchestown.”

Zenta repels Bo Zenith in Aintree thriller

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Hot favourite Zenta edged out the gallant Bo Zenith in a thrilling climax to the Jewson Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree.

Having placed third as part of a Willie Mullins one-two-three-four in last month’s Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, Zenta was the clear form pick and was priced up accordingly as the 5-4 market leader.

After travelling powerfully in midfield in the hands of Mark Walsh, the JP McManus-owned filly moved towards the front end still full of running early in the home straight, at which stage it looked a case of how far she would win by.

But in Gary Moore’s dual winner Bo Zenith she came up against a rival who refused to go down without a fight, setting up a titanic tussle on the run-in.

No quarter was given by either horse or jockey, but much to the delight of favourite-backers it was Zenta who had her head down when it mattered.

Nusret, bidding to give Joseph O’Brien a Grade One double following the opening-race success of Banbridge, was five lengths further back in third.

Mullins’ assistant, David Casey, said: “She travelled and jumped brilliant, we think she’s still improving.

“Mark just thought he got there a bit too soon. She travelled and jumped so well he’s just ended up in front sooner than he wanted.

“When he got there he felt he’d better keep going but he said she pulled herself up, she still had plenty left.

Zenta and Bo Zenith locked in battle
Zenta and Bo Zenith locked in battle (David Davies for The Jockey Club)

“She’s a lovely mare to go forward with. She’s not had much racing and she was very green the day she won her first race for us. That was why we ran her, just to get some more experience into her.

“I don’t know if she’ll go to Punchestown, we’ll see how she is when we get her home.”

Mullins was not on course, but said: “Two very good horses fought it out and it was just on the nod so she was very brave to come back and get back up.

“She looks a real prospect for the future, but I doubt she’ll go to Punchestown.”

Owner Olly Harris said of his runner-up: “He’s a proper horse, really good, and when he battled back I thought we had it.

“He’s going to be a two-and-a-half-mile chaser. We’ve looked after him but thought he had a massive chance today.

“We were a bit scared of Willie’s and it turned out that Zenta had a bit more speed than us.

“Ours is a horse for the future and we will put him away now.”

Banbridge takes full advantage of missing Cheltenham

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Cheltenham Festival absentee Banbridge struck Grade One gold in the Racehorse Lotto Manifesto Novices’ Chase, the opening race of the Grand National meeting at Aintree.

Winner of the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last season, Joseph O’Brien’s charge subsequently failed to fire on Merseyside – but it was a very different story 12 months on.

Banbridge made an excellent start to his career over fences in the autumn, winning at Gowran and Cheltenham, and after being placed in the Drinmore and the Irish Arkle the seven-year-old was due to contest the Turners’ Novices’ Chase at the Festival but was taken out due to unsuitable ground.

JJ Slevin and Banbridge
JJ Slevin and Banbridge (PA)

With that freshness advantage perhaps key, the 2-1 shot raced on the heels of the Turners’ Novices’ Chase winner Stage Star for much of the two-and-a-half-mile journey before taking over halfway up the straight in the hands of JJ Slevin.

Saint Roi came from further back in an attempt to launch a challenge after the final fence, but Banbridge was always doing enough in front and passed the post with a length and a half in hand.

Stage Star, the 6-4 favourite, weakened to finish last of the five runners.

O’Brien said: “JJ gave him a lovely ride and it’s great to come here with a fresh horse. He was a little bit sticky over the first couple, normally he’s quite exuberant but he was a little bit slow. Once he got into his rhythm he was lovely.

“We took him to Cheltenham early in the season to get experience and then we ended up missing it (Festival), but that’s the way it goes.

“We ran him in the Drinmore and we knew he was just a much better horse on better ground so there was no point in wasting runs on heavy ground.

“I think we probably saw the result of minding him earlier in the spring today. It was beautiful ground today, on the easy side but perfect spring ground.

Banbridge in full flight
Banbridge in full flight (David Davies for The Jockey Club)

“We declared on Saturday just in case the rain came and I wanted to walk the track. He won’t run.

“We’ll look at Punchestown. There’s no race over two and a half but while he could stay further in time, I’d imagine it might be back at two miles there because he’s not slow. Two would be more likely but I don’t know yet.”

Of the Willie Mullins-trained Saint Roi, Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said: “He was a little bit keen, but jumped well bar one.

“There were no excuses, he was good at the last and Mark said it was lovely ground.

“He’s entered at Punchestown and Willie will decide if he goes there.”

Fakir D’oudairies has Marsh Chase hat-trick in his sights

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Fakir D’oudairies has the chance to create history at Aintree on Friday as he bids to become the first three-time winner of the Marsh Chase.

Joseph O’Brien’s charge became the sixth horse to claim back-to-back victories in the two-and-a-half-mile Grade One 12 months ago after Viking Flagship (1995 and 1996), Direct Route (1999 and 2000), Native Upmanship (2002 and 2003), Moscow Flyer (2004 and 2005) and Voy Por Ustedes (2008 and 2009).

Having won a race better known as the Melling Chase by 11 lengths in 2021 and five and a half last season, the the JP McManus-owned eight-year-old returns to Merseyside for the hat-trick bid fresh, having sidestepped last month’s Cheltenham Festival.

Fakir D’oudairies was a little disappointing when last seen finishing a well-beaten third behind Shishkin in defence of his Ascot Chase crown in February and is interestingly fitted with cheekpieces for the first time on Friday.

O’Brien said: “He’s in good shape and we’re looking forward to going back there with him.

“We know he likes the track and he’s going there fresh, so we’re hopeful of a good run anyway.”

Fakir D’oudairies is one of two Irish contenders along with the Mouse Morris-trained French Dynamite.

The eight-year-old was best of the rest behind the O’Brien runner in a Grade Two at Thurles in January and was beaten less than six lengths when fourth in last month’s Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.

French Dynamite (right) finishing second in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November
French Dynamite (right) finishing second in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November (David Davies/Jockey Club)

Morris had declared French Dynamite to run at Fairyhouse over the Easter weekend, but pulled him out due to the rain-softened ground.

He said: “He won’t run if it’s soft, but hopefully it should be all right.

“He seems fine. You never until you run them, but he hasn’t missed a beat since Cheltenham anyway.

“His form is there. He was second to Joseph’s horse and Hitman was just in front of him in Cheltenham.”

Paul Nicholls saddles Pic D’Orhy, who was seven lengths ahead of Fakir D’oudairies when runner-up in the Ascot Chase, as well as Ryanair Chase third Hitman.

“Hitman put up arguably the finest performance of his career when third in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham a month ago, which came after another decent run at Newbury,” Nicholls told Betfair.

“After two quite hard races on the bounce we were deliberating whether to bypass Aintree and keep him for Sandown, but Hitman seems fine at home so we are rolling the dice again in the race in which he he was an excellent second to Fakir D’oudairies a year ago.

“Pic D’Orhy is among my favourites and has been in fantastic form this season, winning three Grade Two chases on the bounce before finishing second at Ascot to Shishkin, who looked unbeatable that day.

“We’ve deliberately kept him fresh for this race, he is in great shape and I think the track will suit him. Hopefully he has a really big chance.”

Fugitif is stepped up in class by Richard Hobson after finishing second to Seddon in the Magners Plate at the Festival, while Donald McCain’s Minella Drama also has his sights raised having secured handicap wins at Musselburgh and Kelso since the turn of the year.

The Alex Hales-trained Millers Bank, who won a Grade One novice chase over the course and distance last season, completes the line-up.