2009 Grand National Meeting Guide: Day 2
Grand National Friday is also known as Ladies’ Day, and sees fashion conscious North-Westerners flock to Aintree to show off the latest fashions and mingle at National Hunt racing’s premier meeting.
The Mildmay Novices' Steeple Chase
Friday racing at the 2008 Grand National meeting at Aintree Racecourse gets underway at 2pm the 4th of April with the Mildmay Novices’ Steeplechase. The race is a Class B handicap chase run by five-year-olds and over, and it is notoriously difficult to predict a winner, although the race offers excellent Grand National odds for just this reason.
The Sefton Novices' Hurdle
The Sefton Novices’ Hurdle is the second race of the day two Grand National card and sees novices blooded on some of Aintree Racecourse’s smaller obstacles. The race is by no means easy as the horses are required to complete a lap-and-a-half of the Aintree circuit and need a combination of staying power and precise jumping to pull off a victory. Many of the competitors will have raced at the Cheltenham Novice’s Hurdle and this can be a good indication of form for the Grand National event.
The Melling Steeple Chase
The Melling Steeple Chase is run over two miles, four furlongs and is arguably the highlight of the Grand National card for day two. The race sees the best steeplechase sprinters in the United Kingdom pitted against one another in one of the Grand National meeting’s best opportunities to view champions of the future.
The Topham Steeple Chase
The Topham Steeple Chase is one of the most demanding races at the Grand National meeting and the first race to be contested over the fences used for the Grand National Steeplechase. Although the race is relatively short it tends to have a high casualty rate, and only experienced jumpers have the ability to complete the course.
The Novices' Hurdle
The Novices Hurdle is a long distance race for four-year-olds and over novices. A good indication of staying ability in potential future Grand National winners.
The Handicap Steeple Chase
The Handicap Steeple Chase gives novices a chance to contest a handicap race over fences. At three miles and one furlong the race is another showcase of horses with stamina and endurance.
The Mares Only Standard Open
The final race on day two’s Grand National card is run by mares on the flat course at Aintree Racecourse.
Once you’ve familiarised yourself with our Grand National Meeting guide (day 2), we recommend William Hill for the best racehorse betting experience.