Aintree Race 1 - William Hill Epic Boosts Ebf 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Gbb Race)
STICK TO THE BOARD (4) landed a flat race for this yard during March. Well supported on hurdling debut last month where he came home 1L second at Chepstow (3900m). Capable of atoning. Point winner OLD COAST ROAD (3) represents the Skelton team. Beaten favourite finishing 1.5L second in a 3200m national hunt flat event at Chepstow latest. Sure to be well schooled for this. BLACK EDDY (1) must carry a weight penalty courtesy of an effortless maiden victory at Worcester (4000m) six weeks ago. Decent prospect. BARON DU BRIZAIS (2) certainly cannot be dismissed either tackling a tight opening contest.
Jockey: Harry Cobden
Weight: 72.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing second-up today. Not raced for 43 days. Last start won by 49 len Worcester on September 25 over 4000m defeating Ade Boy with 71.5kg at $3.30 in a hurdle. At only start last preparation finished fifth in a small field at Market Rasen on April 5 over 3300m, 112 len behind Kildare D'irlande with 74kg at $2.60. Fitter for run. Should be right in the finish.
Last Starts 42 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/9 | 25/09/2026 | 173 | MHDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Worcester | 4023m | Good | James Bowen | 71.5kg | 5:03.22 | 2-1-1 | 0 |
| 49.0L | $3.25 |
| 5/6 | 05/04/2026 | 107 | HUNT FLAT 46 | $12,700.00 | Market Rasen | 3319m | Good | James Bowen | 74kg | 4:07.41 | - | 0 |
| 112.8L | $2.63 |
| 15/15 | 19/12/2025 | 68 | LR OPEN 45 | $45,370.00 | Ascot Uk | 3118m | Soft | James Bowen | 71kg | 3:43.08 | 4-15-15 | 0 |
| 130.3L | $10.00 |
| 1/8 | 12/10/2025 | - | HUNT FLAT 45 | $33,130.00 | Chepstow | 3218m | Good | Tom Cannon | 70.5kg | 3:58.24 | 5-1-1 | 0 |
| 2.3L | $8.50 |
Jockey: Ben Jones
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a lengthy spell. Having raced just once last campaign finished second of 7 runners at Uttoxeter on March 28 over 3200m, 2.5 len behind Moore Brion with 71kg at $2.10. Won previous preparation first up [-] to post a big 6 len win. Lower Machen on November 9 over 4000m defeating Docket Man carrying 73kg in a jumps. Harder here and happy to risk fresh in this line-up.
Last Starts 223 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/7 | 28/03/2026 | 139 | HUNT FLAT 46 | $8,170.00 | Uttoxeter | 3218m | Good Soft | Ben Jones | 71kg | 3:58.71 | - | 0 |
| 2.5L | $2.10 |
| 1/9 | 09/11/2025 | - | P2P MDN | $0.00 | Lower Machen P2p | 4023m | Good Soft | James King | 73kg | 5:43.00 | - | 0 |
| 6.0L | $6.50 |
Jockey: Harry Skelton
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Is second-up today and making a debut in a jumps race. Last start finished second in a small field at Chepstow on October 11 over 3200m, 1.5 len behind Masked Blagny with 70kg at $2.30. Makes appeal in this small field.
Last Starts 26 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/6 | 11/10/2026 | - | HUNT FLAT 45 | $13,070.00 | Chepstow | 3218m | Good Soft | Harry Skelton | 70kg | 4:17.93 | 6-5-2 | 0 |
| 1.5L | $2.25 |
Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up today. Last start held ground to the line finished second of 13 starters at Chepstow on October 10 over 3900m, 1.0 len behind Hitintheheadlines with 71.5kg at $1.80. At only start last preparation favourite; won by 2.25 len Chepstow on March 26 over 3200m defeating Trigg carrying 71kg at $2. Can improve on first up performance. Strips fitter and is again a top chance.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/13 | 10/10/2026 | 198 | MHDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Chepstow | 3922m | Good Soft | Sam Twiston-Davies | 71.5kg | 5:02.73 | 2-1-2 | 0 |
| 1.0L | $1.80 |
| 1/10 | 26/03/2026 | 137 | HUNT FLAT 46 | $8,170.00 | Chepstow | 3218m | Good Soft | Harry Cobden | 71kg | 3:52.01 | - | 0 |
| 2.3L | $2.00 |
| 99/12 | 09/11/2025 | - | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Dromahane P2p | 4828m | Soft | J L Scallan | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $1.00 |