Grand National course now good to soft, soft in places following 10mm of rain

A wet night on Merseyside has led to a change in the going on Aintree's Grand National course for the three-day meeting starting on Thursday, with the ground now good to soft, soft in places.

A total of 10mm of rain fell on Monday night into Tuesday morning, which also resulted in the Mildmay and Hurdle courses easing to good to soft.

The £1 million Randox Health Grand National takes place at 5.15pm on Saturday.

Clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch said on Tuesday morning: "We had the 10mm of rain we were forecast last night and the ground has changed to good to soft, soft in places on the National course. It is a bit softer by the canal side of the National course.

Going changes

Mildmay course good to soft (from good)
Hurdle course good to soft (from good)
National course good to soft, soft in places (from good, good to soft in places in places)

"We will just keep an eye on it for now, we are expecting some showers and will see what the score is. At this time of year the ground can dry out reasonably quickly. We're very happy with where we are at the moment."

Among those who would benefit if the ground remains on the soft side is Bristol De Mai, who contests the Betway Bowl on Thursday. He famously won the Betfair Chase by 57 lengths on heavy ground and his best efforts have all come on testing surfaces.

The same comment applies to Sam Spinner, who is due to run in the Ryanair Stayers' Hurdle on Saturday. Six of his seven wins have been recorded with 'soft' in the going description, with the only other on heavy ground.

Among the Grand National contenders, Vintage Clouds is one who would benefit if the ground does not get any quicker, and from any further rain. Two of his four wins have come on soft ground, while he also boasts a great record in even wetter conditions.

Get exclusive insight from the track and live tipping with our up-to-the-minute Raceday Live service on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app