The Grand National Festival Day 3 races include three Grade 1 races as well as festival’s highlight –the world famous Grand National Steeple Chase. We offer the latest odds, cards, results, specials and tips for every race.
Saturday, April 5th, 2025
| Time | Race | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 13:20 | William Hill Handicap Hurdle | 3 |
| 13:55 | Mersey Novices Hurdle | 1 |
| 14:30 | William Hill Handicap Chase | 3 |
| 15:05 | Liverpool Hurdle | 1 |
| 16:00 | Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase | 3 |
| 17:00 | Maghull Novices Chase | 1 |
| 17:35 | Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race | 2 |
Overview of Day 3 Races
The final day of the Aintree Grand National Festival delivers the ultimate crescendo to three days of elite jumps racing. Headlined by the world’s most iconic steeplechase — the Grand National — Day 3 also offers top-tier contests for novices, seasoned hurdlers, and bumper prospects. It’s a day of drama, unpredictability, and unforgettable moments.
Here’s a breakdown of the races on Day 3:
1:20PM: The William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle
- Distance: Three miles and 149 yards
- Conditions: A Premier Handicap for hurdlers aged 4 and older, with £75,000 in prize money. The day begins with a competitive long-distance handicap, often attracting a deep and wide-open field of stayers from across the UK and Ireland.
1:55PM: The Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle
- Distance: Two miles and four furlongs
- Conditions: A Grade 1 contest for novice hurdlers aged 4 and up, with a prize fund of £100,000. This intermediate-distance event regularly features standout performers from the Ballymore at Cheltenham and is a prime stage for rising stars in the hurdling division.
2:30PM: The William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase (The Freebooter)
- Distance: Three miles and 210 yards
- Conditions: A Premier Handicap steeplechase for 5-year-olds and above, worth £100,000. Known as the Freebooter, this race is a stern test of stamina and jumping, often a stepping stone for Grand National hopefuls of the future.
3:05PM: The Ivy Liverpool Hurdle
- Distance: Three miles and 149 yards
- Conditions: A Grade 1 stayers’ hurdle for horses aged 4 and older, boasting a substantial £250,000 purse. Seen as the season-ending championship for long-distance hurdlers, this race draws many of the top names from the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
4:00PM: The Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase
- Distance: Four miles, two furlongs, and 74 yards
- Conditions: The crown jewel of Aintree and one of the most famous races in the world. This Premier Handicap chase is open to horses aged 7 and up, with a staggering £1,000,000 in prize money. Run over 30 fences and nearly 4.25 miles, the Grand National is the ultimate test of endurance, courage, and strategy — a once-a-year sporting spectacle that captivates millions across the globe.
5:00PM: The Rosconn Group Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase
- Distance: One mile, seven furlongs, and 176 yards
- Conditions: A Grade 1 novice chase for 5-year-olds and older, with £120,000 at stake. Often contested by the top finishers from the Arkle at Cheltenham, this sharp and speedy contest is all about jumping accuracy and tactical positioning.
5:35PM: The Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
- Distance: Two miles and 209 yards
- Conditions: A Grade 2 bumper for 4 to 6-year-olds, concluding the festival with a showcase of emerging talent. With £50,000 in prize money, this flat race brings future stars into the spotlight before they transition to hurdling next season.
Key Races to Watch on Day 3
While every race has its moments, these standout contests define the drama and heritage of Grand National Saturday:
The Randox Grand National
Unquestionably the highlight of the entire meeting—and indeed the jumps season—the Grand National is a race unlike any other. With a 40-strong field tackling the fearsome Aintree fences over four-plus miles, it’s a test of sheer endurance, iron will, and luck. Legends are made in this race, and it captures the attention of the world like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a once-a-year fan, the Grand National is unmissable.
The Ivy Liverpool Hurdle
This Grade 1 is the definitive staying hurdle of the spring. Horses that excelled in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham often reappear here to confirm their class or seek redemption. It’s a hard-fought contest with a deep history and frequently produces standout performances.
The Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle
One of the premier tests for novice hurdlers over intermediate distances, this Grade 1 race offers a final chance for up-and-coming hurdlers to stamp their authority before stepping into open company. The winners often go on to become major players in next season’s hurdle division.
The Maghull Novices’ Chase
Fast, furious, and full of flair, the Maghull Chase is Aintree’s answer to the Arkle. Top two-mile novice chasers go head-to-head in a thrilling test of speed and precision, often with future stars of the division on display.
