The Big Day

The big day is nearly here as once again history beckons for a chosen few. But who will bask in the glory of this very special Saturday afternoon at Aintree? Kicking off proceedings is the charity People’s Race, run for the first time in 2007 to huge popular acclaim. And the hostilities will begin in earnest at 1:45pm with the John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle, followed by the Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase.

The build up continues with a much-awaited Aintree Hurdle, featuring a strong field including Aitmatov, Afsoun, My Way De Solzen, Osana and Irish raider Chomba Womba. And at 4:15pm, the sporting world’s attention will turn to the 161st running of the Grand National Steeple Chase. Favourite Cloudy Lane certainly ticks all the right boxes, but having never faced the Aintree fences, a big question mark remains.

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