The Grand National Festival Day 1 races include four Grade 1 races. We offer the latest odds, cards, results, specials and tips for every race.
Thursday, April 3rd, 2025
| Time | Race | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 13:45 | Manifesto Novices Chase | 1 |
| 14:20 | Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle | 1 |
| 14:55 | Aintree Bowl Steeple Chase | 1 |
| 15:30 | Aintree Handicap Hurdle | 1 |
| 16:05 | Foxhunters Open Hunters Chase | CL 2 |
| 16:40 | Red Rum Handicap Chase | 3 |
| 17:15 | Mares Standard Open NH Flat | 2 |
Overview of Day 1 Races
The opening day of the Aintree Grand National Festival welcomes racing fans with a top-tier lineup of Grade 1 contests, showcasing elite talent over hurdles and fences. Known for its drama, excitement, and iconic fences, Aintree kicks off with a blend of novice stars, seasoned chasers, and promising juveniles ready to stamp their mark.
Here’s a glimpse into the races scheduled for Day 1:
1:45PM: The EBC Group Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase
- Distance: Two miles, four furlongs, and 39 yards (2m 3f 200yds + 59yds)
- Conditions: Open to horses aged 5 years and older, this Grade 1 novices’ chase carries a prize of £120,000. The contest features some of the most exciting emerging chasers, stepping up to prove themselves at the highest level over intermediate distances.
2:20PM: The Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle
- Distance: Two miles, one furlong, and 48 yards (2m 209yds + 59yds)
- Conditions: A Grade 1 hurdle exclusively for 4-year-olds, with £110,000 up for grabs. It serves as a key follow-up to the Triumph Hurdle and a stage for young talents to shine on a major platform.
2:55PM: The Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Steeple Chase
- Distance: Three miles, one furlong, and 72 yards (3m 210yds + 82yds)
- Conditions: One of Aintree’s showpiece Grade 1 races, this event is open to horses aged 5 and older. With a purse of £250,000, it’s a major target for leading staying chasers, often featuring Cheltenham Gold Cup contenders.
3:30PM: The William Hill Aintree Hurdle
- Distance: Two miles, four furlongs, and 73 yards (2m 4f + 73yds)
- Conditions: A Grade 1 race for hurdlers aged 4 and above, offering another £250,000 in prize money. It’s the ultimate middle-distance hurdle test and often attracts a mix of Champion Hurdle horses and stayers dropping back in trip.
4:05PM: The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase
- Distance: Two miles, five furlongs, and 48 yards (2m 5f 19yds + 29yds)
- Conditions: A Class 2 contest for horses aged 6 and up, contested over Aintree’s iconic Grand National fences. With £50,000 on the line, it brings together amateur riders and seasoned hunter chasers for a thrilling spectacle.
4:40PM: The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase
- Distance: Two miles and four yards (1m 7f 176yds + 48yds)
- Conditions: A Premier Handicap steeple chase for 5-year-olds and older, carrying a £100,000 prize pool. Named after the legendary Red Rum, this sharp and tactical race tests both pace and precision.
5:15PM: The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
- Distance: Two miles, one furlong, and 48 yards (2m 209yds + 59yds)
- Conditions: A Grade 2 bumper race for mares aged 4 to 6, with £50,000 in prize money. This finale to the day provides a glimpse into the stars of the future, with many graduates going on to successful hurdling and chasing careers.
Key Races to Watch on Day 1
Day 1 at Aintree delivers a packed card, but a few races stand out for their prestige, star power, and thrilling competition.
The Brooklands Bowl Steeple Chase
A flagship staying chase that brings together the best of the best over three miles. Often featuring Gold Cup participants, this Grade 1 test is a true battle of stamina, jumping ability, and tactical riding. It’s a jewel in Aintree’s crown and sets the tone for the meeting’s elite-level chases.
The William Hill Aintree Hurdle
The richest hurdle race of the day, the Aintree Hurdle is unique for its intermediate trip and has become a major end-of-season target for both two-milers and stayers. Past winners include legendary names, and the race promises a clash of the finest hurdlers from both Cheltenham and beyond.
The Manifesto Novices’ Chase
A proven stepping-stone for novice chasers on the rise, this Grade 1 race often features horses coming out of the Turners Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham. It’s the ultimate test of raw potential versus experience, and the perfect curtain-raiser to a brilliant three days at Aintree.
The Red Rum Handicap Chase
Short, sharp, and fiercely competitive—this Premier Handicap often throws up thrilling finishes and big-field betting drama. With £100,000 on offer and Aintree’s tight turns demanding slick jumping, it’s a fan-favorite and a great opportunity for punters seeking value.
