Aintree watering as National course quickens to good to soft, good in places

The Grand National going at Aintree was changed after racing on Friday with officials watering overnight for Saturday's big race.

After a drying afternoon, the ground on the Grand National course quickened slightly to good to soft, good in places with the Mildmay chase and hurdle courses good, good to soft in places (all from good to soft).

5.15 Aintree Saturday: Randox Grand National racecard and betting

Speaking after racing on Friday, clerk of the course Sulekha Varma said: "We're going to put 5mm on the Grand National course tonight and 3mm on the Mildmay and hurdles and I've changed the Grand National to good to soft, good in places and the Mildmay and hurdles to good, good to soft in places.

"We're looking mostly dry overnight with the chance of an isolated shower on Saturday, otherwise conditions are going to be very similar to today.

"By starting out wide we're providing fresh ground every day, and the rails will be moved in three or four yards again so that on Saturday they are at their innermost position."

Nicholls extends championship lead and strengthens grip on top trainer honours

A double in the final two races of the second day at Aintree moved Paul Nicholls clear as leading trainer at the meeting as well as widening his advantage in the trainers’ championship.

Gelino Bello captured the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle for Nicholls and Hacker Des Places followed up in the 2m½f handicap hurdle for conditional and amateur riders, adding to the yard’s success on day one with Clan Des Obeaux in the Bowl Chase.

While Bravemansgame failed to fire as favourite for the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase, Nicholls did receive a boost to his trainers’ title defence when Hitman finished second in the Melling Chase.

Going into the final day of the meeting, Nicholls holds an advantage of £298,547 over Nicky Henderson in the trainers’ championship, an increase of £68,411 from the gap at the end of day one. Overall, the 12-time champion trainer has secured £2,615,220 in prize-money this season.

British trainers' championship standings

1 Paul Nicholls £2,615,220
2 Nicky Henderson £2,316,673
3 Dan Skelton £1,999,156
4 Willie Mullins £1,661,625

Henderson kept up the pressure by claiming the Grade 1 Top Novices’ Hurdle for the sixth time when even-money favourite Jonbon prevailed by a neck from El Fabiolo.

The victory was the second of the meeting for Aidan Coleman, who also tasted Grade 1 success on the first day with Epatante in the Aintree Hurdle. He ended the second day level on two wins alongside Harry Cobden, who has landed Grade 1s with Clan Des Obeaux and Gelino Bello.

Neither trainer is represented in Saturday’s Randox Grand National, while Coleman rides Snow Leopardess and Cobden is aboard Lostintranslation.

Read more on the 2022 Grand National:

'She's entitled to be the price she is' - Coleman excited by Snow Leopardess

Pinstickers' guide: quotes and ratings for every horse in the National

Racing Post tipsters predict the first four home in the Grand National

Best offers, betting advice and punting tips for the Grand National

Grand National: everything you need to run a big-race sweepstake

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