John Smiths Mersey Novices Hurdle

1.45 Aintree: The John Smith’s Mersey Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) (2m4f)

The opening race on the final day of the Aintree Festival is the Mersey Novices Hurdle over 2m4f. The massive crowd that has gathered for the Grand National later in the afternoon certainly adds to the atmosphere of the last day and the race always attracts the top young horses of the season. Those that have ran in the Neptune at Cheltenham often follow up here and the last horse to do the double was Simonsig in 2012. In years gone past horses like Best Mate, Wayward Lad, Morley Street and Tidal Bay have won this before going on to much better things so its always a race to watch back and note down the stars of future seasons.

The race was established in 1977 but it wasn’t until 1988 that it was given a grade 2 status. It’s open to 4yo’s and upwards but the older more experienced horses tend to come to the fore and the last juvenile to win the Mersey was back in 1996.

Previous Winners

2013: Ubak G.Moore 22/1

2012: Simonsig N.Henderson 4/9f

2011: Spirit Son N.Henderson 3/1

2010: Peddlers Cross D.McCain 5/4f

2009: Bouggler E.Lavelle 16/1

2008: Elusive Dream P.Nicholls 7/2