Grand National Trials Day

The ‘Becher Chase Grand National Trials Day’ is the final race meeting at Aintree before the Grand National. The meeting is hugely important as it allows trainers the chance to give their horses a run on the Aintree course before the Grand National.

The Becher Chase and the Grand Sefton are the two races to watch. In the past they have given clues to the performance of future National runners. Notably Forest Gunner, who won the Becher Chase 2004 then went on to finish fifth in the John Smith’s Grand National the same year.

This year the horse to watch out for is ‘Always Waining‘, his trainer has revealed that he will contest either the Betfred Becher Handicap Chase or the Betfred Grand Sefton Handicap Chase.

The recent BHA Grand National Review concluded that horses will be required to have top four finish in a chase over at least three miles to be considered as an entrant for the National. Obviously this will make races like the Bechers and Sefton much more competitive, as trainers look for races to meet the new entry requirements. The BHA ruling will hinder the old tactic of having horses running hurdles in Ireland before heading to Aintree, and thus avoiding the handicappers attentions.

Amberleigh House won the Becher Chase in 2001 and then landed the National in 2004. Other big name winners of the race who went on to finish in the top five places in the Grand National include Earth Summit, Clan Royal, Silver Birch, Black Apalachi & Hello Bud.

The Betfred Becher Chase Grand National Trials Day takes place on Saturday, December 3 at Aintree Racecourse.