Grand National Festival 2026 – Day Two Preview

The second day of the Grand National Festival, Ladies Day on Friday 10 April, features four Grade 1 contests, two Handicap Hurdles, and a Handicap Chase run over the Grand National fences.

The Grade 1 action begins with the Mildmay Novices’ Chase at 14:20 and includes the Top Novices’ Hurdle, Melling Chase, and the staying test of the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle. The card also includes competitive handicap tests that often throw up lively finishes and impact handicapping plans for the season ahead.

Below is Friday’s race schedule:

13:45 – William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)

A big early‑afternoon handicap over about 2m4f, often featuring a large and competitive field of around 22. Sean Bowen riding Indeevar Bleu is currently the bookies’ favourite heading into this. He’ll be taking on the likes of Hot Fuss, Dan Skelton’s Emid’io Pepe and 12/1 hopeful Wellington Arch.

14:20 – William Hill Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

The first of the Grade 1 action over roughly 3m1f for novice chasers. Early confirmed runners include staying types who have shown promise over fences this season. A leading contender in the early markets is Paul Nicholls’ Regent’s Stroll who is available at 7/2. He’s a strong jumper with stamina and will be joined by the likes of Wendingo, Salver and Willie Mullins’ Gold Dancer.

This race often features horses who ran prominently in staying novice chase divisions at Cheltenham or earlier spring targets and provides an early look at potential stars among the staying chasers.

14:55 – Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

Sober Glory heads what is a smaller field into the Top Novices’ Hurdle. The six-year-old has only failed to finish in the top 2 on one occasion from his eight outings. Despite his red-hot form he’ll be up against a couple of really capable horses in the form of Baron Noir and Sinnatra.

15:30 – JCB Melling Chase (Grade 1)

One of Friday’s feature races, the Melling Chase over about 2m3f attracts established chasers and improving sorts capable of performing at the highest level. This contest regularly brings together horses with proven Grade 1 form and this year it’ll be Grey Dawning who will be looking to appease the Aintree crowd and romp home. He’s the current 9/4 favourite with Henry De Bromhead’s Heart Wood close behind at 5/2.

16:05 – Randox Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

Run over the iconic Aintree Grand National fences, the Topham Handicap Chase is a compelling test of courage and jumping on one of the sport’s most famous courses. The huge field of 29 runners is led by the much fancied Madara, closely followed by Gentlemen De Mee and Will The Wise in the early markets.

16:40 – Oddschecker Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

A staying Grade 1 novice hurdle over about 3m1½f, the Sefton is one of the deepest stamina tests of the day. Early favourites include Johnny’s Jury, No Drama This End and Dalston Lad. This race tends to suit horses proven at a strong gallop and efficient over a long trip which will suit those who lead the early markets.

17:15 – Debenhams Handicap Hurdle

The closing race of the day is a wide‑open handicap hurdle over about 2m where continuing momentum and tactical positioning count for plenty. Big fields and competitive weights often lead to a close finish in the final contest of Ladies Day which could really see anyone win it. The early favourites include Harry Lowes, Sherminator and Pourquoi Pas Papa.

Day Two Takeaways

Friday’s card is a quality mix of elite novice contests, staying tests and tactical handicaps. With four Grade 1 races, it’s a day that often reveals emerging stars and highlights horses capable of stepping up to even bigger targets later in the season.

The Top Novices’ Hurdle and Mildmay Novices’ Chase provide key spring targets for the two‑mile and staying chase divisions respectively, while the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle is an ideal platform for staying hurdlers. Handicap races like the William Hill Handicap Hurdle and Topham Chase test form depth and can often be the turning point for future handicap plans.

There is no better way to enjoy world-class horse racing than with an Eventmasters VIP Hospitality Package. Book now to avoid disappointment!