Tomorrow is Ladies Day at Aintree. Friday April 10th. The card features Grade 1 racing across several disciplines, but for Grand National punters there is one race that matters above all others: the Randox Topham Handicap Chase at 16:05.
The Topham is run over 2m5f on the Grand National course itself, jumping Becher's Brook, the Canal Turn and the Chair under race conditions. It is the only race before the National on Saturday that gives you live evidence of how horses handle the unique Aintree fences. Here is what to watch.
Why the Topham Matters
The National fences at Aintree are built from spruce rather than the birch used at every other jump track. They have specific quirks — the drop at Becher's Brook, the right-angle turn at the Canal Turn, the width of the Chair — that horses meet for the first time at speed in a competitive field. The Topham gives you a real-time assessment of exactly those fences on Friday afternoon.
Watch how every horse jumps Becher's Brook in the Topham. A horse that meets the fence cleanly, lands without stumbling on the drop and maintains its rhythm into the Canal Turn is demonstrating an ability to handle the specific demands of the National fences that no prep race on another track can confirm. Any horse that shows hesitation, makes a significant mistake or struggles with the Canal Turn's sharp turn is giving you direct warning signs before Saturday.
The Non-Runner Deadline
The most important practical detail of Friday is the 1pm non-runner deadline for the Grand National. Any confirmed National runner that develops a problem between now and 1pm Friday can be replaced by a reserve. The six reserves in order are Imperial Saint, Amirite, Ain't That A Shame, Deep Cave, Buddy One and Pied Piper. Spillane's Tower ran in today's Bowl Chase — if he runs well and connections decide to keep him in the Grand National instead, there may be a reserve moving up.
Check for non-runner announcements on Friday morning before the 1pm deadline. A withdrawal can change the betting market significantly, particularly if a well-fancied horse pulls out and releases money into the field.
Friday's Grade 1 Racing
Alongside the Topham, Friday features the JCB Melling Chase — a Grade 1 over 2m4f on the Mildmay course attracting the best two-and-a-half-mile chasers in training. The Sefton Novices' Hurdle at 16:40 is a Grade 1 for staying novice hurdlers and regularly produces future Stayers' Hurdle contenders. ITV carries full coverage across both Thursday and Friday before Saturday's Grand National.
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