Fakir D'Oudairies will bid for a record third victory in the row in the Marsh Chase (Registered as the Melling Chase) (3.30pm) on Ladies Day at the 2023 Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse.
Joseph O'Brien's eight-year-old was among the seven entries in the Grade One feature on the second day of the Aintree meeting on Friday. Fakir D'Oudairies bypassed last month's Cheltenham Festival to stay fresh for his record attempt. He finished third to Shiskin in the Betfair Chase at Ascot in February on his most recent start. He will face six rivals headed by Paul Nicholls' Pic D'Orhy, who finished runner-up to Shishkin ahead of Fakir D'Oudairies at Ascot and he is currently the market leader at around 15-8. Also in the line-up is another from the Nicholls' stable, Hitman; the Alex Hales-trained course and distance winner Millers Bank and Minella Drama, from the stable of Cheshire-based Grand National winner Donald McCain.
READ MORE: Full list of runners as 50 remain in 2023 Grand National
The second race of the meeting run over the Grand National fences is the Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (4.05pm) and 29 are entered including the Dan Skelton-trained Ashtown Lad, who won the BoyleSports Becher Chase over the big fences in December. He clearly enjoyed the Aintree challenge then as too did Sam Thomas' Al Dancer, who won the Grand Sefton Chase over them the previous month. Gesskille, from the Cheshire stable of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, finished second in both those races over the Grand National fences and is the likely favourite at around 7-1.
Gordon Elliott's Gerri Colombe will bid to go one better than his narrow defeat at last month's Cheltenham Festival in the opener, the Grade One Air Charter Services Mildmay Novices’ Chase (GBB Race) (1.45pm). He is one of seven entries which include fellow Irish raider, the Willie Mullins-trained Broon and Paul Nicholls' Complete Unknown.
There are 20 entries for the Grade One Poundland Top Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race) (2.55pm), headed by Henry De Bromhead's Inthepocket. He is owned by JP McManus, who won this race last year with Jonbon.
There are 16 entries in the Grade One Winners Wear Cavani Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race) (4.40pm). Trainer Paul Nicholls – who won the race last year with Gellino Bello – has Stay Away Fay among the entries and he will bid for the Cheltenham-Aintree double having won the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Prestbury Park last month.
There are 22 entered in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (2.20pm) with the top two in the betting – the Philip Hobbs-trained Camprond and Nicky Henderson's No Ordinary Joe – are both owned by JP McManus. Trainer Dan Skelton won the race last year with Langer Dan and he has three entries – Molly Ollys Wishes, West To The Bridge and Playful Saint. In the finale of Ladies Day, the Abersoch Land And Sea Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys’ And Amateur Riders’ Race) (GBB Race) (5.15pm) there are 22 entries including the Ted Walsh-trained Gaoth Chuil and Charlie Longsdon's hat-trick-seeking Parramount.
READ MORE: Grand National 2023: dates, tickets and how to watch on TV
The going on all courses at Aintree (Mildmay, Hurdle & Grand National) is currently: Good to soft, good in places. Rain is forecast to continue on and off through the afternoon today and overnight (5-10mm). Sunny spells and scattered showers are forecast for Thursday (1-2mm). There is the chance of some heavier showers (2-5mm) on Friday. Sunny spells and an occasional shower (1-2mm) are forecast for Saturday.
Full list of races, runners and riders for Ladies Day (Friday, April 14)
1.45pm Air Charter Service Mildmay Novices' Chase (Grade 1) 3m210y
1 Bronn (IRE) 6-11-7 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede WP Mullins Ireland Paul Townend
2 Complete Unknown (IRE) 7-11-7 JCG Chua & I Warwick Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
3 Gerri Colombe (FR) 7-11-7 Robcour Gordon Elliott Ireland Davy Russell
4 Sholokjack (IRE) 7-11-7 Sullivan Bloodstock & Hughes Crowley Dan Skelton Kielan Woods
5 Thomas Darby (IRE) ts 10-11-7 Mrs Diana L Whateley Olly Murphy Sean Bowen
6 Galia des Liteaux (FR) 7-11-0 Mr Michael Ariss Dan Skelton Harry Skelton
2022: AHOY SENOR 7-11-04 Derek Fox 4-1 (Lucinda Russell) 4 ran
BETTING GUIDE: Evens Gerri Colombe, 7-2 Bronn, 11-2 Complete Unknown, Galia Des Liteaux, 12-1 Thomas Darby, 33-1 Sholokjack
2.20pm William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 2m4f
1 Jason The Militant (IRE) ts 9-12-0 Mr G Nicholson Philip Kirby Joe Williamson (5)
2 The Bosses Oscar (IRE) ts, p 8-11-12 Bective Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Aidan Kelly (5)
3 Camprond (FR) 7-11-11 Mr JP McManus Philip Hobbs & Johnson White Aidan Coleman
4 No Ordinary Joe (IRE) 7-11-11 Mr JP McManus Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville
5 Captain Conby (IRE) 6-11-10 O'Reilly Buller Partnership E Sheehy Ireland Keith Donoghue
6 Good Risk At All (FR) ts 7-11-9 Walters Plant Hire Ltd Sam Thomas Sam Twiston-Davies
7 Benson p 8-11-7 J Fyffe & S Townshend Sandy Thomson Ryan Mania
8 Dargiannini (IRE) ts 8-11-6 Mr Andrew Mitchell Harry Derham Paul O'Brien
9 Molly Ollys Wishes ts 9-11-5 Mr Dean Pugh Dan Skelton Bridget Andrews
10 Martello Sky 7-11-5 The Sky Partnership Lucy Wadham Rachael Blackmore
11 Jungle Jack p 7-11-4 Mr TG Leslie Donald McCain Brian Hughes
12 West To The Bridge (IRE) ts, p 10-11-4 Mr J Tierney Dan Skelton Tristan Durrell (5)
13 Tritonic 6-11-3 McNeill Family & Mr Ian Dale Alan King Adrian Heskin
14 Buddy One (IRE) 6-11-3 E Lynch/TC Quinn/John J McGrath Paul John Gilligan Ireland
15 Playful Saint (FR) ts 8-11-3 Mr and Mrs JD Cotton Dan Skelton Harry Skelton
16 Nells Son p 8-11-1 Langdale Bloodstock Nicky Richards Danny McMenamin
17 Irish Hill (GER) 5-11-1 Sir Martin Broughton & Friends 8 Paul Nicholls Bryony Frost
18 Sonigino (FR) ts 6-11-1 Sir A Ferguson G Mason J Hales & L Hales Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
19 Fennor Cross (IRE) 6-11-1 The Positivity Syndicate John McConnell Ireland Ben Harvey (5)
20 Pull Again Green (IRE) ts 7-11-0 Roy & Sally Green Tony & Karen Exall Fergal O'Brien Liam Harrison (3)
21 Harbour Lake (IRE) 7-11-0 Exors of the late Mr Trevor Hemmings Alan King Tom Cannon
22 Off Your Rocco (IRE) p 7-11-0 Pioneer Racing Gordon Elliott Ireland Kieren Buckley (3)
2022: LANGER DAN 6 11 1 Harry Skelton 4-1 JtFav (D Skelton) 21 ran
BETTING GUIDE: 6-1 Camprond, 15-2 No Ordinary Joe, 8-1 Buddy One, Dargiannini, Captain Conby, 10-1 Playful Saint, Good Risk At All, Sonigino, 12-1 others.
2.55pm Poundland Top Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m103y
1 Altobelli (IRE) 5-11-7 Charlie Walker and Jonny Craib Harry Fry Bryan Carver
2 Colonel Harry (IRE) ts 6-11-7 The GD Partnership Jamie Snowden Gavin Sheehan
3 Found A Fifty (IRE) 6-11-7 Bective Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Davy Russell
4 Hansard (IRE) 5-11-7 Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates Hansard Gary Moore Jamie Moore
5 Hullnback ts 6-11-7 We're Having A Mare (WHAM) Fergal O'Brien Paddy Brennan
6 Inthepocket 6-11-7 Mr JP McManus Henry de Bromhead Ireland Rachael Blackmore
7 Matata (IRE) h 5-11-7 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Nigel Twiston-Davies Daryl Jacob
8 No Looking Back (IRE) 5-11-7 Keep The Faith Bloodstock Limited Oliver McKiernan Ireland Phillip Enright
9 Pembroke ts 6-11-7 Jon and Julia Aisbitt Dan Skelton Harry Skelton
10 Rare Edition (IRE) 6-11-7 Pay The Bill Syndicate Charlie Longsdon Brian Hughes
11 Rubaud (FR) h 5-11-7 Chris Giles & Brendan McManus Paul Nicholls Bryony Frost
12 Strong Leader 6-11-7 Welfordgolf syndicate Olly Murphy Sean Bowen
13 Tahmuras (FR) 6-11-7 Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates Tahmuras Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
14 Luccia 5-11-0 Pump & Plant Services Ltd Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville
2022: JONBON 6-11-4 Aidan Coleman Evens Fav (N Henderson) 9 ran
BETTING GUIDE: 7-2 Inthepocket, 9-2 Found A Fifty, Luccia, 10-1 No Looking Back, Tahmuras, Altobelli, 12-1 Rubaud, Hullnback, 16-1 others.
3.30pm Marsh Chase (Grade 1) 2m 3f 200y
1 Fakir d'Oudairies (FR) p 8-11-10 Mr JP McManus Joseph Patrick O'Brien Ireland Mark Walsh
2 French Dynamite (FR) ts, p 8-11-10 Robcour MF Morris Ireland Darragh O'Keeffe
3 Fugitif (FR) ts 8-11-10 Mr Carl Hinchy & Dr Emad Hussain Richard Hobson Sean Bowen
4 Hitman (FR) ts, p 7-11-10 Mason, Hogarth, Ferguson & Done Paul Nicholls Lorcan Williams
5 Millers Bank 9-11-10 Millers Bank Partnership Alex Hales Kielan Woods
6 Minella Drama (IRE) 8-11-10 Green Day Racing Donald McCain Brian Hughes
7 Pic D'orhy (FR) ts 8-11-10 Mrs Johnny de la Hey Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
2022: FAKIR D'OUDAIRIES(Ire) 7 11 7 Mark Walsh 10-11 Fav (J P O'Brien) 10 ran
BETTING GUIDE: 15-8 Pic D'Orhy, 2-1 Fakir D'Oudairies, 5-1 Hitman, 10-1 Fugitif, Millers Bank, French Dynamite, 25-1 Minella Drama.
4.05pm Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 2m5F19y
1 Haut En Couleurs (FR) 6-12-0 Mrs J Donnelly Willie Mullins Ireland Paul Townend
2 Burrows Saint (FR) 10-11-9 Mrs S Ricci Willie. Mullins Ireland Mr PW Mullins
3 Ciel De Neige (FR) bl 8-11-9 Mr JP McManus Willie Mullins Ireland Mark Walsh
4 Fan de Blues (FR) ts 8-11-9 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede Willie Mullins Ireland Daryl Jacob
5 Final Orders 7-11-7 CMD Syndicate Gavin Cromwell Ireland Keith Donoghue
6 Al Dancer (FR) ts, p 10-11-6 Walters Plant Hire Ltd Sam Thomas Charlie Deutsch
7 Il Ridoto (FR) ts, p 6-11-3 Giles, Hogarth, Mason & McGoff Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
8 Gin On Lime (FR) ts 7-11-2 Robcour Henry de Bromhead Ireland Darragh O'Keeffe
9 Epson du Houx (FR) h,ts 9-11-2 Gigginstown House Stud Henry de Bromhead Ireland Shane Fitzgerald
10 Ashtown Lad (IRE) 9-11-1 Darren & Annaley Yates Dan Skelton Harry Skelton
11 Upping The Anti (IRE) 7-10-13 Mr A Halsall Henry de Bromhead Ireland Rachael Blackmore
12 Fantastic Lady (FR) 8-10-12 Mr ER Hanbury Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville
13 Battleoverdoyen (IRE) ts 10-10-12 Pioneer Racing Gordon Elliott Ireland Kieren Buckley (3)
14 Gesskille (FR) p 7-10-11 The Nevers Racing Partnership I Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero Henry Brooke
15 Top Ville Ben (IRE) h 11-10-10 Harbour Rose Partnership Philip Kirby Thomas Dowson
16 Phoenix Way (IRE) ts, p 10-10-9 Mr JP McManus Harry Fry Kevin Brogan
17 Batcio (FR) 11-10-9 Luke McMahon TM Walsh Ireland Brian Hayes
18 Demachine (IRE) ts 9-10-8 West Coast Haulage Limited Kerry Lee Jonathan Burke
19 Kiltealy Briggs (IRE) ts, p 9-10-8 McNeill Family Jamie Snowden Adrian Heskin
20 Numitor 9-10-6 Mr Paul G Jacobs and Wetumpka Racing Heather Main Adam Wedge
21 Hereditary Rule (IRE) ts 8-10-6 CF Syndicate John McConnell Ireland Simon Torrens
22 Quel Destin (FR) p 8-10-6 Martin Broughton & Friends Paul Nicholls Bryony Frost
23 Hardline (IRE) 11-10-6 Bronsan Racing Gordon Elliott Ireland Ricky Doyle
24 Bill Baxter (IRE) 7-10-4 Glassex Holdings Ltd Warren Greatrex Sam Twiston-Davies
25 Celebre d'Allen (FR) p 11-10-4 Mr Allan Stennett Philip Hobbs & Johnson White Micheal Nolan
26 Cooper's Cross (IRE) p 8-10-4 Mr J Fyffe Stuart Coltherd Ryan Mania
27 Equus Dancer (IRE) p 9-10-4 Mr Roddy Owen Peter Bowen Sean Bowen
28 Killer Kane (IRE) ts 8-10-3 Mr JP Romans Joe Tizzard Brendan Powell
29 Dorking Lad p 8-10-2 Galloping On The South Downs Partnership Gary Moore Jamie Moore
30 Fantastikas (FR) ts, p 8-10-2 Imperial Racing Partnership Nigel Twiston-Davies Jordan Nailor
2022: MAC TOTTIE 9-10-0 Sean Bowen 8-1 (Peter Bowen) 19 ran
BETTING GUIDE: 7-1 Gesskille, 15-2 Al Dancer, 8-1 Ashtown Lad, 10-1 Haut En Couleurs, Ciel De Neige, Burrows Saint, Final Orders, 14-1 Il Ridoto, 16-1 others.
4.40pm Winners Wear Cavani Sefton Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m149y
1 Absolute Notions (IRE) 5-11-8 Robcour Gordon Elliott Ireland Davy Russell
2 Blenkinsop 6-11-8 Mrs L Nixon Henry Daly Hugh Nugent
3 Grey Dawning (IRE) 6-11-8 Mr Robert Kirkland Dan Skelton Harry Skelton
4 Howlingmadmurdock (IRE) 6-11-8 ValueRacingClub.co.uk Tom Lacey Stan Sheppard
5 Hurricane Bay 7-11-8 The Hanseatic League Lucy Wadham Bryony Frost
6 Iroko (FR) ts 5-11-8 Mr JP McManus Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero Mark Walsh
7 Marble Sands (FR) 7-11-8 DL Adams, JA Adams & G McPherson Fergal O'Brien Kielan Woods
8 Maximilian (GER) 7-11-8 Owners Group 099 Donald McCain Brian Hughes
9 Mofasa 7-11-8 Mrs Lynne Maclennan Michael Scudamore Luca Morgan
10 Moka de Vassy (FR) p 5-11-8 Tom Chadney and Friends Mrs Jane Williams David Noonan
11 Saint Davy (FR) 6-11-8 Mrs Gay Smith Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill Jr.
12 Search For Glory (IRE) ts 6-11-8 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Keith Donoghue
13 Stay Away Fay (IRE) ts 6-11-8 Mr Chris Giles & Mr Dave Staddon Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
14 Twig 8-11-8 Mrs G Morgan Ben Pauling Beau Morgan
15 Weveallbeencaught (IRE) 6-11-8 Jimmy & Susie Wenman Edward & Jane James Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies
16 Apple Away (IRE) 6-11-1 Old Gold Racing 14 Lucinda Russell Stephen Mulqueen
2022: GELINO BELLO 6-11-7 Harry Cobden 7-2 (P Nicholls) 14 ran
BETTING GUIDE: 3-1 Stay Away Fay, 9-2 Iroko, Absolute Notions, 6-1 Maximilian, 15-2 Grey Dawning, 14-1 Saint Davy, Apple Away, 20-1 Mofasa, Blenkinsop, 25-1 others.
5.15pm Abersoch Land and Sea Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys' and Amateur Riders' Race) 2m103y
1 Homme Public (FR) ts, p 6-12-0 The Nevers Racing Partnership II Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero Toby Wynne (5)
2 Glan (IRE) h 8-11-10 Mr JP McManus Gordon Elliott Ireland Aidan Kelly (5)
3 Parramount ts 7-11-10 Andrew Fox-Pitt Charlie Longsdon Bradley Roberts (7)
4 Geromino (FR) ts 7-11-9 Mr GE Fitzpatrick Donald McCain Abbie McCain (5)
5 Advanced Virgo (IRE) p 8-11-7 Miss Rita Shah A McCann Ireland Miss Aine O'Connor (3)
6 Albert's Back 9-11-7 Golden Ratio & J Blackburn Michael & David Easterby Niall Houlihan (3)
7 JPR One (IRE) 6-11-7 Mr JP Romans Joe Tizzard Harry Kimber (3)
8 Knickerbockerglory (IRE) 7-11-6 Chelsea Thoroughbreds - Knickerbocker Dan Skelton Tristan Durrell (5)
9 Nibiru (IRE) ts 8-11-6 Mr John Breslin AJ Martin Ireland
10 A Different Kind (IRE) 6-11-6 Mr Dene Rowe Donald McCain Peter Kavanagh (5)
11 Punctuation ts 6-11-5 Mr Grant Leon Fergal O'Brien Liam Harrison (3)
12 Ukantango (IRE) 6-11-4 Mr Alan Peterson Olly Murphy Mr James King
13 Call of The Wild (IRE) 6-11-3 Mr JP McManus Alan King Caoilin Quinn (5)
14 Go Dante p 7-11-3 Mrs Barbara Hester Olly Murphy Mr JJ Codd
15 Soul Icon h,ts 6-11-3 This time next year maybe Keiran Burke Ben Godfrey (3)
16 Tullypole Annie (IRE) p 5-11-3 Jolly Boys & Kangley Partnership Peter John Flood Ireland Miss Georgie Benson (7)
17 Fruit N Nut (IRE) 7-11-3 Mr Les Buckley Donald McCain Theo Gillard
18 Blueking d'Oroux (FR) 4-11-2 (7lb ex) Mrs Johnny de la Hey Paul Nicholls Angus Cheleda (5)
19 Collingham (GER) 5-11-1 Mr J Fyffe Donald McCain Charlie Maggs (10)
20 Densworth (IRE) ts 6-11-0 OAP Syndicate Ben Pauling Luca Morgan
21 Washington p 7-11-0 Syders & Burkes Olly Murphy
22 Gaoth Chuil (IRE) 5-11-0 Mr Michael A Ryan TM Walsh Ireland Shane O'Callaghan (7)
2022: HACKER DES PLACES 5-11-2 Angus Cheleda (5) 10-1 (P Nicholls) 16 ran
BETTING GUIDE: 15-2 Gaoth Chuil, 10-1 Parramount, Soul Icon, Knickerbockerglory, Geromino, Densworth, Blueking D'oroux, Nibiru, 14-1 others.
