12 April 2024 , 12:59
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The Grand National Festival got underway on Thursday, with those who backed favourites enjoying great success.
Il Etait Temps, Sir Gino, Gerri Colombe, Impaire Et Passe, Its On The Line, Sans Bruit and Diva Luna all won their races on day one of the festival. On day two, Nicky Henderson's Jonbon will return to action in the Melling Chase, having pulled out of the Champion Hurdle at last month's Cheltenham Festival.
Chianti Classico and Inothewayurthinkin were both victorious at Cheltenham and will also be hoping to pick up wins at Aintree. Keep up with all of the day's winners below...
13:45: Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
1. Inothewayurthinkin
2. Iroko
Top trainer takes blame after failing to enter co-favourite for Cheltenham race
3. Heart Wood
Kim Muir-trained Inothewayurthinkin won the Challenge Cup at Cheltenham and produced another impressive performance with Mark Walsh on board to win the first race of the day.
The race was marred by the death of Giovinco, who suffered a fatal fall while being ridden by Stephen Mulqueen. Lucinda Russell's gelding was treated by vets but could not be saved.
14:20: William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
1. Kateira
2. Jango Baie
3. Inthewaterside
Nicky Henderson’s runner claimed victory after seing off the challenge of long-time front-runner Inthewaterside. “She’s a good horse, we came here last year for a Grade One which shows you what we thought of her but she just got lost in the autumn and winter on very bad ground," trainer Dan Skelton said.
“I actually stepped her up to three miles but when you do that it is because you are struggling. What she wants is two and a half miles on decent ground and if this race was yesterday it would probably have been too soft for her."
14:55: TrustATrader Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
1. Mystical Power
2. Firefox
Legendary chaser Altior out of danger and ready to leave hospital after colic
3. Lookaway
Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old Mystical Power got the better of Firefox in a thrilling battle. “I wanted to wait a bit longer, but Jack [Kennedy] closed the door on me," Mark Walsh, rider of Mystical Power, told ITV Racing.
“I had to go a bit earlier than I wanted, but it all worked out well. He doesn’t show much at home. When I rode him work before his win at Galway I would never have believed he’d go on to finish second in the Supreme and win a Grade 1 at Aintree. He saves his best for the racetrack.”
15:30: My Pension Expert Melling Chase (Grade 1)
1. Jonbon
2. Conflated
3. Protektorat
Jonbon - the 11/10 favourite ridden by Nico de Boinville - got the job done for trainer Nicky Henderson and owner JP McManus. It was a thrilling finish, though, with Conflated second by a length and Protektorat completing the top three.
16:05: Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Chase (Premier Handicap)
1. Arizona Cardinal
2. James Du Berlais
3. Kandoo Kid
After a close battle with James Du Berlais, Arizona Cardinal - ridden by Ciaran Gethings - was the winner for trainer Stuart Edmunds at an impressive 20/1! Harry Redknapp's horse, Shakem Up'arry, was in the running but was unable to make inroads.
16:40: Cavani Sartorial Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
1. Dancing City
2. The Jukebox Man
3. Cherie D'am
That's a second Grand 1 victory for Feel Like Dancing's son, Dancing City! Jockey Paul Townend told ITV Racing: "He's an exciting horse going forward."
17:15: Lydiate Handicap Hurdle
1. El Jefe
2. Ballee
3. Afadil
A huge win for El Jefe, trained by Andrew Hamilton and ridden by Ben Smith, at 40/1! And that's that for today's racing.