- This topic has 29 replies, 17 voices, and was last updated 3 months ago by
.
- Posts
“Aintree missing a trick by not altering the conditions of The Becher and renaming it The Silver Grand National (Win & You’re In). Make it 3.5 miles, cap the mark at maybe 155 (Mr Vango was highest rated in 2025 running off 152: average and median OR was 137) and add 50k to take total prize money to £200k.”
I quite like this idea.
I’ve long thought the Becher Chase is a bit of a missed opportunity. Considering it is the closest thing there is to a second National, and has very decent prizemoney, it should be a bigger deal than it is. But it seems to get a bit lost among all the other big races around that time of year.
“There is still a place in the race for “Just So” types, but we need to give them a chance to qualify.”
In addition to Yeats’ observation that Just So would not be allowed to run nowadays as he was too far out of the handicap, he wouldn’t even be able to run if he was in the handicap. Based on the rating he had for his National second, he would fall foul of the minimum rating now being 130. This minimum has been gradually creeping up for some time, though it is largely irrelevant for modern Nationals.
I think I’ve heard a few Irish trainers call it the ‘English National’. It’s not the Grand National any longer and it’s an insult to call it that now. Changing the name might confuse those once a year keyboard opponents of the race.
Perhaps they could name it after Jamie Stier the guy who altered the distance of the race amongst a number of other things he altered to dilute the very nature of the whole race. Or just go back to the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase.
One thing to perhaps lessen the number of runners from one stable is to restrict prize money to the first 4 home. That might also stop some riders riding a finish when 90 lengths behind.
How easy is the National now? I’d back Constitution Hill to jump round safely in his own time.
Not sure capping the top mark in the Bechers would work out, why should any horse rated above 155 be ruled out of getting a win and you’re in? A horse rated 130 finished 3rd in the latest Bechers, you could get one rated that low or lower winning it but would be well out the weights in the National.
In any event the winner of the Bechers does get an incentive, if he wins the National he gets double the prize money (1 million) That is one of the main reasons Ben Pauling intends to run Twig.“I’ve long thought the Becher Chase is a bit of a missed opportunity”
They had a chance during Covid to move the National to the Becher meeting.
Fair points yeats. Perhaps a 160 cap? I didn’t see it as being a Grand National trial as such, though you could not remove the perceived or actual link, but concentrating on that pushes the focus to the Grand National, which gets more than enough publicity.
The Silver version would, ideally, be an homage to the great years of the big race when handicappers we saw year after year had a chance, or, at the very least, you got to see them have their big day. I’d see it more as a retro National for old sods like me.
The conditions would need altering too to ensure the big guys couldn’t set one up ratings wise.
Most “shrewd” trainers would hate the idea of exposing their potential National horses as early as December. They’d rather finish beaten 80 lengths plus in a John Durkan.
Ruby I think you’ll find the Irish stewards would strongly disagree with you , you’re forgetting the power of the ” Spring Sun ” and the firmer ground making horses suddenly find there form , I’m starting to think Cromwell is a pagan …
Pick 3 on Saturday champion 2025/2026
Most “shrewd” trainers would hate the idea of exposing their potential National horses as early as December. They’d rather finish beaten 80 lengths plus in a John Durkan.
Good. That’s exactly what’s needed.
What I’d fear is one who is not good enough to win a modern Grand National, but ‘handled correctly’ could easily win in December. Maybe keep them out with a qualifier set around ‘number of handicap chase runs’.
As the BHA have recently introduced another ridiculous rule whereby any horse rated 15lbs or more out of the handicap can’t run let’s hope we don’t get another freak like Arkle otherwise horses rated 169 or below wouldn’t be allowed to run in the National! Arkle could have a walkover in the National nowadays carrying 12 stone.
I wonder if the BHA have noticed that horses running in maiden and novice races of varying abilities might have a rating range that is bigger than 43lbs? (28+15)
Could have done with that idiotic BHA rule when I backed Jodami off only 10st 2lbs in the Hennessey when he only managed to finish second.
They say they will monitor how successful the 15lb rule is. How will manage that seeing no horses will be running from 15lbs plus out of the handicap?
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.