What's on this week: stars gather at Aintree in build-up to 2022 Grand National

Monday

It is a return to Windsor for the first time this season as eight races take place across the afternoon. The feature race is the 6f handicap (2.50), in which William Buick rides the George Boughey-trained Inver Park as one of his four mounts on the card.

There is also racing at Redcar and Kelso, where Brian Hughes has four chances to continue his hopes of reaching 200 winners for the season.

Tuesday

2019 Fighting Fifth winner Cornerstone Lad switches code in the 2m2f handicap at Pontefract (2.05). There is a total of seven races at the West Yorkshire track, including a 1m2f handicap, where John and Thady Gosden saddle their only runner in the form of Peter The Great.

Southwell and Exeter have seven races across the afternoon, with Southwell's 2m handicap chase (2.15) featuring the Jamie Snowden-trained Hardy Du Seuil, who has won two of his last five starts.

Wednesday

Star stayer Trueshan could make his first appearance of the season at Nottingham in the Listed Barry Hills Further Flight Stakes (4.00). The Alan King-trained six-year-old, who won the Goodwood Cup and Prix du Cadran last season, may meet the Hughie Morrison duo, Not So Sleepy and Quickthorn.

Trueshan: could make his seasonal return at Nottingham on WednesdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

At Leopardstown, the Listed Gradguide Heritage Stakes (4.15) takes centre stage and could feature Irish Lincolnshire winner Raadobarg. There is also racing at Catterick and Lingfield as well as an evening meeting at Kempton.

Thursday

Day one of the Grand National meeting takes place at Aintree, with a total of four Grade 1s kicking off the afternoon, the SSS Super Alloys Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase (1.45), Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (2.20), Betway Bowl Chase (2.55) and Betway Aintree Hurdle (3.30).

Clan Des Obeaux is set to be among the big names as he looks to defend his title in the Bowl. He could face the Dan Skelton-trained Protektorat while Epatante and Buveur D'Air may clash in the Aintree Hurdle. Meanwhile, Pied Piper and Cheltenham Festival winner Brazil hold entries for the Juvenile Hurdle.

Elsewhere, Ffos Las, Limerick and Taunton race in the afternoon and there are evening meetings at Chelmsford and Gowran Park.

Friday

It’s ladies day at Aintree and there will be four more Grade 1s as the Betway Top Novices’ Hurdle (2.20), Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2.55), Marsh Chase – registered as the Melling – (3.30) and Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (4.40) take place.

Jonbon, Bravemansgame, L'Homme Presse and Fakir D'Oudairies are among the top names potentially in action on the second day of the meeting.

Bravemansgame: could take his chance in the Betway Mildmay Novices' ChaseCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

There are other fixtures taking place at Fontwell, Sedgefield and Kempton.

Saturday

All eyes will be on Aintree as the Randox Grand National takes place at 5.15. The final 40-runner field has not yet been confirmed, with the five-day confirmation stage on Monday and then the final declaration stage on Thursday.

5.15 Aintree Saturday: Randox Grand National racecard and betting

The Ted Walsh-trained Any Second Now heads the National market and is closely followed by Gordon Elliott pair Delta Work and Escaria Ten, while Enjoy D'Allen is also a leading contender.

Before that, we have the Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2.25), Maghull Novices’ Chase (3.00) and JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (3.35) all to look forward to on what promises to be a thrilling day.

Elsewhere, Newcastle, Thirsk, Bangor and Wolverhampton also host racing.

Sunday

After the thrills of the Grand National, there are fixtures at Stratford and Wincanton, where the 2m5½f handicap hurdle (1.30) is one of the standout races.

In Ireland, there are two Group 3 races at the Curragh, the Hollywoodbets Alleged Stakes (3.05) and the Hollywoodbets Gladness Stakes (3.40).

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