As the countdown to the Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse on 11-13 April begins, anticipation builds for three thrilling days of action in Merseyside.
While the Grand National itself is the crown jewel of the meeting, there’s an array of top-class racing over the three days, including some 11 Grade 1 contests.
The Aintree Hurdle is one of the standouts, with the festival’s opening day feature race worth £250,000 and often attracting horses who previously competed in the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle.
This year, Bob Olinger and Irish Point — who was a close second to State Man at the Cheltenham Festival — lead the market with very little to separate them if you’re looking for a Grand National 2024 bet.
As we await this year’s renewal, let’s look back over the last five years, reliving the tales of triumph and drama.
2018: L’Ami Serge
Trained by the renowned Nicky Henderson, L’Ami Serge stormed to victory in 2018, marking Henderson’s fourth win in the Aintree Hurdle.
Despite facing stiff competition, L’Ami Serge, with odds of 5/1, asserted his dominance, defeating the favoured Supasundae by a commanding three lengths.
2019: Supasundae
The following year saw Jessica Harrington’s Supasundaeemerge triumphant at odds of 15/2, avenging his defeat at a short-price 12 months earlier.
In a thrilling duel, Supasundae edged out Henderson’s BuveurD’Air by a slender margin to claim victory in a display of sheer determination.
2021: Abacadabras
The tumultuous year of 2020, marred by the Coronavirus pandemic, led to the cancellation of the Aintree Hurdle.
However, 2021 witnessed Abacadabras seizing the spotlight under the guidance of stand-in handler Denis Foster.
Despite Gordon Elliott’s controversial ban, Abacadabras, priced at 5/1 in the Aintree horse betting, delivered a memorable performance — clinching victory by a length and a quarter over Buzz, trained by none other than Henderson.
2022: Epatante
Henderson’s dominance in the Aintree Hurdle continued in 2022 with Epatante, owned by JP McManus, gaining the trainer access back to the winner’s enclosure.
Epatante, priced at 2/1, left no room for doubt as he surged to a remarkable 14-length victory under the skilled guidance of Aidan Coleman, securing Henderson’s fifth win in this prestigious race.
2023: Constitution Hill
The most recent edition of the Aintree Hurdle further solidified Henderson’s legacy in the Aintree spectacle, as Constitution Hill extended his trainer’s record to six career wins in the race.
Unbeaten under rules, Constitution Hill showcased his class with a three-length triumph over Willie Mullins’ Sharjah, reaffirming his status as the star of the hurdling world.
Constitution Hill’s recent health scare serves as a reminder of the fragility of these magnificent athletes and the dedication required to ensure their well-being.
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As we eagerly await the 2024 edition of the Aintree Hurdle, the stage is set for another chapter in the illustrious history of this storied race.
With contenders like the aforementioned Bob Olinger and Irish Point leading the charge, the excitement and anticipation continue to mount, promising yet another thrilling spectacle on the hallowed turf of Aintree Racecourse.
