17:15 Aintree
Friday 10 April 2026
All13:4514:2014:5515:3016:0516:4017:15
Debenhams Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys/Amateur Riders) (GBB Race)
- 4YO plus  |  Class 2  |  2m 103y  |  22 Runners  |  Turf
Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
SKY BET EXTRA PLACE RACESky Bet paying 6 places instead of 4
Useful on the Flat for William Haggas and quickly translated that ability to hurdles last winter. Perhaps overdid things in front when fifth in the Morebattle at Kelso last time but there was lots to like about the manner with which he jumped/travelled. Will face competition for the lead again.
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Well backed/much improved when notching second success at Tramore on New Year's Day and while further progress isn't ruled out on just his fourth start in a handicap, this represents a marked step up in class from a mark now 16 lb higher.
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Won strong novice handicap at Cheltenham last season and ran another cracker when narrowly denied in the Imperial Cup later in campaign. Low-key start to this season but was right back to form when runner-up in the Imperial Cup for second year running last month and he's a player again here.
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Cheekpieces on when useful winner of listed handicap hurdle for Willie Mullins in September but has made a discouraging start across 3 outings for new yard. Tongue strap now applied.
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Wasn't quite at his best this season until benefiting from a drop back to 2m when winning in good style at Newbury in February. Possibly still feeling the effects of that when mid-field in the Imperial Cup only a week later and he's still lightly raced enough to think there could be more to come.
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Fairly useful Flat/hurdles winner for Willie Mullins but soundly beaten in 2 handicaps since joining Dan Skelton having failed to settle on both occasions. Drop back to 2m could help in that regard.
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Fair middle-distance Flat winner who made a successful start over hurdles in France and changed hands for €70,000 after next start. Made winning return from 9 months off (had breathing operation) in a 7-runner handicap at Ayr (2m, heavy) last month. Up 7 lb but remains unexposed.
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Dual winner in France last season for the George & Zetterholm team but no impact in 3 starts for that yard in the autumn. Bit to prove starting out for new yard having changed hands for €52,000.
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Capitalised on falling mark under more positive ride at Haydock last month and followed up with front-running tactics retained at Bangor (19.6f) 2 weeks later. Showed good attitude there but now has career-high mark to contend with.
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Fairly useful Flat stayer has matched that level when placed in maiden hurdles 3 times across the winter. Makes handicap debut in competitive race and suspicion remains he'll prove more effective over further.
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Made a successful start over hurdles in a junior event for Emma Lavelle last season. Followed up on stable debut and took a Ludlow novice in February before maintaining his unbeaten record when completing in a 10-runner handicap at Exeter (16.7f, soft) last month. Should have more to offer.
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Irish point scorer who was impressive when making a winning hurdles debut at Exeter (16.7f) in November. Badly hampered at a crucial time on handicap debut at Windsor in January but resumed winning ways in novice company at Bangor the following month. Still looks on good mark back handicapping.
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Flat winner who took well to hurdling last winter, winning juveniles at Doncaster/Wetherby. Made an encouraging return when third in handicap at Cheltenham and soon back on track when second at Rubber Ball at Newbury last month. Smooth-travelling style should suit this big-field environment.
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Bumper winner who struck at the second time of asking over hurdles in 2m Stratford novice (good to soft) at the end of October. Made the most of good opportunity when doubling tally in similar race at Huntingdon last month and opening mark looks fair.
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Back to his best when second of 6 in 2½m Newcastle handicap in November and shaped as if still in good form from career-high mark when fourth at Kempton (21f) on Boxing Day. Drop back to 2m is interesting given enthusiastic run style.
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Fairly useful in France for Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm and has shaped encouragingly on both starts since joining Dan Skelton, finishing with running left from some way back when sixth in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham last month. Shortlisted.
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Three hurdle wins this season and went down only to 2 improvers in a 2m Stratford handicap (good to soft) last month. Shaped as if still in form from a poor position when sixth at Haydock at the weekend but career best is likely needed to take something this competitive.
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Fairly useful Flat performer at best. Opened his account in this sphere when winning Fontwell novice (17.7f, good) in November 2024 before following up on his first start over hurdles since at Kempton this February. Struggled in the Imperial Cup though and might be flying too high again here.
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His strong-travelling style has proved well suited to Musselburgh this winter, winning a pair of 2m handicaps (including Scottish County). Shaped like the best horse at the weights when fifth there 3 weeks ago, paying the price late after rapid move to lead from rear. Strong pace here will suit.
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Runner-up on his first 3 starts over hurdles before getting off the mark at Wincanton in January. Good efforts in defeat both starts since, fourth in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham on latest and he's respected again.
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Useful on his day for Nicky Henderson, though is winless since 2022 and record for current yard has been patchy. Step back in right direction when seventh of 16 in handicap hurdle at Wetherby (21f) 2 weeks ago at least, and visor now goes on.
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Added to his good record in the Scottish County Hurdle when a good second to Star of Guiting in this season's renewal and backed that up with a creditable fifth in the Imperial Cup. Underperformed upped in trip at Ascot 12 days ago, though.
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Forecasts
Harry Lowes (4/1), Sherminator (6/1), Pourquoi Pas Papa (8/1), Wandering Ego (10/1), Rubber Ball (12/1), Charlus (12/1), Wreckless Eric (12/1), Hamsiyann (14/1), The Mighty Celt (14/1), Captain Ryan Matt (14/1), Melon (16/1), Litleangel Duseuil (16/1), Static (16/1), Afadil (20/1), No Ordinary Joe (25/1), Laafi (25/1), Gooloogong (25/1), Mr Mcloughlan (33/1), Ehteyat (33/1), Last Kingdom (33/1), Star Of Guiting (33/1), Wild Bill Hickok (50/1)
Dan Skelton won this last year and may hold the key again, with HARRY LOWES getting the verdict. The selection wasn't seen to anywhere near best effect on his previous start in a handicap and remains unexposed stepping back into this company. Stablemate The Mighty Celt is also shortlisted on the back of his eye-catching Fred Winter effort, alongside strong-travelling hold-up horse Star of Guiting.
Previous Winners
Prize Money
1st: £25,720.002nd: £11,825.003rd: £5,915.004th: £2,955.005th: £1,480.006th: £735.007th: £370.008th: £185.00
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