Aintree: In sixth start, Grey Dawning lands first local win in Melling Chase
In his sixth attempt, the 9-year-old gelding Grey Dawning finally won at Aintree Racecourse in Friday’s Grade 1 Melling Chase at 2 1/2 miles.
Steve AndersenApr 10, 2026
In his sixth attempt, the 9-year-old gelding Grey Dawning finally won at Aintree Racecourse in Friday’s Grade 1 Melling Chase at 2 1/2 miles.
Brighterdaysahead, a 6-year-old mare, won the $331,000 Aintree Hurdle for the fifth Grade 1 win of her 16-race career. A few hours earlier, the filly Mange Tout won her Grade 1 debut in a $145,600 Juvenile Hurdle for 4-year-olds.
A year ago, Grangeclare West finished third in the famous Grand National steeplechase at Aintree Racecourse, an unlucky performance considering he nearly unseated his jockey after a pivotal jumping error at the 30th and final fence. Since then, Saturday's $1.34 million Grand National has been a clear goal for the 10-year-old Grangeclare West.
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Luke Middlebrook's Hong Kong Selections and Analysis for Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Sha Tin.
The 9-year-old gelding Grey Dawning has won Grade 1 races in famous events at Cheltenham Racecourse and Haydock Park in Britain in the last two years.
The way Autumn Glow is collecting wins in Australia, the filly is drawing comparisons to some of the country's greatest recent runners. Autumn Glow has won all 11 of her starts and was 2-5 on Wednesday to win Saturday's Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at 1 1/4 miles against males at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney.
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Completing a triumphant return to Hong Kong racing with a superb four-timer at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (8 April), Joao Moreira reunited with long-time ally Caspar Fownes in brilliant fashion as the battle for the 2025/26 trainers’ championship intensified.
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Luke Middlebrook's Hong Kong Selections and Analysis for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Happy Valley.
Hong Kong Selections for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Happy Valley.
The four Grade 1 jump races at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England, on Thursday are second-chance opportunities at significant prizes for a prominent group of chasers and hurdlers beaten in similar races at the prestigious four-day Cheltenham Festival last month.