Today marks the celebration of Ladies Day at the renowned 2026 Grand National Festival, drawing in a large crowd of race enthusiasts at Aintree.
The schedule is packed with seven thrilling races, including four Grade One competitions throughout the day.
Commencing the day’s events is the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at 1:45pm, followed by the Debenhams Handicap Hurdle for conditional jockeys and amateur riders as the final race of the day.
Highlighted contenders include Grey Dawning, Madara, and Sober Glory among the featured horses, while the fashion scene is also set to make a statement on this special occasion.
Mirror Sport will provide live coverage of all the race action, expert tips, current odds, and prelude to Saturday’s main event. Stay tuned for all the updates:
With the conclusion of day two at the Aintree Festival, anticipation grows with less than 24 hours remaining until the Grand National kicks off at 4pm on Saturday.
Before the Grand National spectacle, five races are set to captivate the audience starting at 12:45pm. The favorite for the event, I Am Maximus, at 7/1, is expected to face tough competition from Panic Attack and Grangeclare West at 8/1 and 17/2 respectively.
1 – Laafi (Patrick M O’Brien) – 20/12 – Melon (Toby McCain-Mitchell) – 10/13 – Pourquoi Pas Papa (Miss O Nicholls) – 7/1
The upcoming race, the 5.15 Debenhams Handicap Hurdle at Aintree, features Sherminator as the favorite at 3/1, closely followed by Harry Lowes at 7/2 and Pourquoi Pas Papa at 7/1.
James Given, the Director of Equine Health & Welfare at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), addressed the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident leading to Gold Dancer’s demise on ITV Racing.
Given explained, “The horse maintained a straight path without showing signs of deviation until the finishing line. Only after turning left did the gait change from cantering to trotting, prompting immediate action from jockey Paul Townend and veterinary intervention.”
1 – Zeus Power (J J Slevin) – 3/1
2 – Catchintsavo (R P McLernon) – 40/1
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