Five things we learned from the first day of the 2019 National meeting

Mildmay fences tougher than those on the National course

The Foxhunters' was thankfully the most uneventful in years and the way the National fences were strimmed by the big field early, with blunders reducing the height of the spruce covering, meant it was far from a jumping test. This was backed up by just three unseats and no fallers from a field of 27.

The Mildmay fences brooked no argument. Those who made mistakes were noticeably quickly on the back foot as if hitting brick walls. That is with the exception of Kalashnikov in the Manifesto, which makes his win all the more meritorious.

Rhythm so important around a speed track

Nothing new here but just as important on the Mildmay course was getting into a rhythm, ideally travelling well whatever the pace.

Even with the ground turning soft there were few who got behind and nudged fences that were sighted at the finish and surely this will be accentuated if the next two days are dry as forecast on this quick-drying track.

Kemboy puts the record straight

Kemboy's exit shortly after the first fence in the Cheltenham Gold Cup now looks more than a little unfortunate after he turned the Betway Bowl into a procession.

Equally, how must his Ladbrokes Trophy backers be feeling now after his non-appearance?

The smile from Willie Mullins when asked about a repeat Grade 1 performance at Punchestown in another three weeks said it all about a chaser who could have been unbeaten in five races this season.

This seven-year-old is clearly improving over fences, having won a big 2m5f handicap chase off 147 at the Punchestown Festival last April, and it was no surprise to see his odds for the King George at Kempton shortened from initial double-figure prices, although SKy Bet are still offering 10-1.

Ground riding slower than at Cheltenham

The comparative times between Cheltenham and Aintree confirmed the visual impression that it was never going to be good ground on Merseyside after the forecast showers proved to be one day-long deluge.

The ground officially changed to soft during racing and it will be interesting to see if jockeys take the stands' side route on the hurdle course in the straight on Friday, as has been traditional on softer ground and was showcased late in the bumper.

Certainly, those having their stamina stretched were found out and the ground played to the strengths of the likes of Supasundae.

Trainer trend continues

The big names continue to take the spotlight at these festivals with Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins again among the winners and Paul Nicholls not far off.

The notable absentee from the top echelon, as at Cheltenham, is Colin Tizzard, who has strong statistics and has had many memorable days at Aintree, but even with 75 winners this season he's having a relatively quiet time.

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