Grand National day at Aintree brought the latest racing action, with live updates tracking the card as the afternoon progressed. One of the early highlights was the Maghull Novice Chase, where the pace was strong from the outset and the race developed quickly.
Be Aware jumped to the right at the first fence but still managed to grab the lead. Salvatore Mundi moved forward through the field to join the front-running action, although the favourite was not especially fluent for much of the race. The leading pair maintained their position on the turn for home, keeping the contest tight as the field approached the business end.
Kala Conti appeared poised to challenge but fell at the third-last fence, ending that effort abruptly. That left Mirabad ready to strike, and the horse moved into contention at exactly the right moment. Mirabad then took over and went on to kick clear for an easy win.
The result gave Dan Skelton another major success. Skelton, described in the live coverage as the “outative champion trainer,” added another important prize to his tally on a day when Aintree’s jumps action remained the focus.
Maghull Novice Chase betting
- Salvator Mundi – 11/10
- Kala Conti – 11/4
- Mighty Bandit – 7/1
- Be Aware – 10/1
- No Questions Asked – 20/1
- Alnilam – 22/1
- Mirabad – 50/1
- King Of Kingsfield – 50/1
The live blog was part of Guardian coverage of Grand National day, with the reporting framed around the runners, the betting market and the shifting rhythm of the races at Aintree. The Maghull Novice Chase, run at 12.45pm, produced one of the day’s first notable outcomes as Mirabad finished strongly after a race that had begun at a brisk tempo.
More race updates were expected to follow as the action continued through the card.
