April 05 / 15.05 Aintree

15.05

Good To Soft

Ivy Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £140325
  • 3m 0f 149y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
ITV
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Ivy Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £15.50
  • Place: £3.60

Form: F13-27 D BF

Last run: 72 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
Ran well in this contest 12 months ago (good to soft; finished third) and the Long Walk at Ascot in December (close second); each-way shout on those efforts but needs to rebound, having flopped badly at Gowran Park when back down in grade last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

7th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 0y

18:38 Wexford

Hiddenvalley Lake

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Henry De Bromhead

Classy hurdler rated (154) some way superior to these, career highlight when winning 3m Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree just over a year ago; only fifth when attempting repeat win there last month but looks a class apart from these rivals if anyway fluent in his jumping (wasn't that on sole previous chase start back in December 2023); interesting jockey booking.

8/11

5th

4

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Hiddenvalley Lake

11st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Well beaten at Punchestown last May and at Navan in February on sole start since; however, this race has brought out the best in him in the last two seasons, as he finished third in 2024 (good to soft) and first last year (good); could bounce back and play another leading role.

6/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 31-104 CD BF

Last run: 70 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 158

Form & Verdict
Ran as if something was amiss in the Long Walk (subsequently had wind surgery) and latest effort confirms that Cheltenham isn't his ideal track; promising stayer otherwise since upped to 3m and registered a clearcut success in this race 12 months ago (good to soft); shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Strong Leader

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Tailed off at Cheltenham in January but that's not his track and he's had a wind op since; prior to that he ran well when runner-up to Impose Toi at Newbury and Ascot, and his Aintree form figures read 1212 with his last two visits being in this race (good to soft/good); there can be considerable optimism that he'll be a key player back here; tongue-tie added.

4/1

6th

3

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:35 Cheltenham

Strong Leader

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Runner-up to Impose Toi on last two starts (3m, soft/good to soft), latest when beaten just over 1l off level weights (same today) in the Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot; his record at Cheltenham is patchy but he ran well when third in this in 2024; on form he's the stand-out danger to Impose Toi.

9/2

1st

1

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 1

14:22 Wetherby

Strong Leader

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Reappeared with a win in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury (3m, soft) last November and finished second in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree (3m, good) in April, having won that same Grade 1 12 months earlier; leading claims despite conceding weight all round.

7/4

33/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 215314 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Ran respectably in the 2m4f Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham last time, while shaping as if this step back up in distance will suit; 1-1 over 3m (good to soft; Doncaster Grade 2 mares' win on penultimate start) but this is a stiffer assignment.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:05 Punchestown

Jetara

11st 3lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Mrs John Harrington

Third in this event last year after taking the same place in Aintree Grade 1; has failed to match that form this season and has slumped 9lb in the ratings in 12 months; tailed off in Leopardstown Grade 1 won by Teahupoo; moderate fifth behind Wodhooh; a lot to prove now but could surprise.

25/1

5th

4

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 56y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Jetara

11st 5lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Mrs John Harrington

Smart mare who was an 11l fourth to Lossiemouth in this 12 months ago before finishing third in 3m Grade 1s at Aintree and Punchestown later in the spring; hasn't quite hit the same heights this season, including 9l third to Feet Of A Dancer and Dream On Baby in Doncaster Grade 2 latest; vulnerable even if back to her very best in a change of headgear (first-time blinkers replace cheekpieces).

25/1

3rd

1

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 1

13:30 Doncaster

Jetara

11st 8lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mrs John Harrington

Smart staying mare who won this race 12 months ago (good to soft) in game style and made the frame in three Grade 1s at the spring festivals afterwards; ran poorly against the geldings at Leopardstown four weeks ago but would have a big chance if returning to her best.

11/4

Form: 111143 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
Completed a four-timer, mostly in handicaps, last July-October; has made the frame in the Long Walk and Stayers' Hurdle (both on good to soft) since upped to Grade 1 level; finished 8l behind stablemate Teahupoo last time but remains comparatively unexposed at 3m and may rate higher still; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

5

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 120y

16:25 Leopardstown

The Wallpark

11st 4lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Gordon Elliott

High-class staying hurdler, rated 155; 0-5 so far chasing this term but much more encouraging run on latest when second to the classy Oscars Brother in Grade 2 Ten Up Novices' at Navan last month; jumping still requires attention but is 13lb lower than hurdles here in first handicap chase.

9/1

2nd

4

8th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 0y

15:50 Navan

The Wallpark

11st 3lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Gordon Elliott

High-class staying hurdler, rated 155; now has serious questions to answer after his first four chase starts; remote seventh in Leopardstown event won by Koktail Divin (previously beaten by Oscars Brother at Punchestown); needs to jump a lot better than in 2m4f Gowran event; longer trip should be a help at least.

8/1

Form: 612-11

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Seems versatile as regards ground; ex-French 5yo who is 2-2 since joining Willie Mullins, both wins over 2m, latest in Grade 3 event at Gowran Park; promising sort who is a very interesting contender, assuming he stays this markedly longer distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 213y

16:50 Punchestown

Kitzbuhel

11st 10lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Set the early standard in the staying novice division, winning Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton (3m, good) at Christmas after a 2m3f beginners' win at this venue; blotted his record in Sandown Grade 1, jumped right before unseating at the sixth; redeemed himself with a stylish front-running victory in the Brown Advisory; now looks strongest of the Mullins quartet.

11/10

1st

5

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Kitzbuhel

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: W P Mullins

Set the early standard in this division, beating Kaid d'Authie on chase debut then winning Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton (3m, good) on Boxing Day; jumped right before unseating in Sandown Grade 1 last time and the worries today are going left-handed plus the sense that others have improved past him.

16/1

Form: 15-322 C

Last run: 70 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Creditable fifth to Gwennie May Boy on this card last year, having won the Pertemps Final (3m, soft) the time before; creditable second in Grade 2 contests the last twice but this is harder; well beaten in this race in 2023.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:55 Chepstow

Monmiral

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Paul Nicholls

2024 Pertemps Final winner but that was off 8lb lower; contested two Grade 1s last spring, before a wind operation (his second) and heavy defeat when returned to fences three months ago (easily his worst chase performance); Freddie Keighley takes off 7lb on this return to a handicap.

9/1

6th

8

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Monmiral

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Creditable fifth to Gwennie May Boy on this card last year, having won the Pertemps Final (3m, soft) the time before; creditable second in Grade 2 contests the last twice but this is harder; well beaten in this race in 2023.

40/1

6th

8

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Monmiral

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Creditable fifth to Gwennie May Boy on this card last year, having won the Pertemps Final (3m, soft) the time before; creditable second in Grade 2 contests the last twice but this is harder; well beaten in this race in 2023.

40/1

Form: 1343P5 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 154

Form & Verdict
Ran creditably in this contest 12 months ago (finished second) and the latest edition of the Stayers' Hurdle (also good to soft; finished fifth); however, appears set for another supporting role, with Grade 1 record now 0-7.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

40

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Buddy One

10st 2lb

T: Paul John Gilligan

Reserve; far better known as a smart hurdler, runner-up at this meeting in 2023 and 2024, with latter race the 3m Grade 1; below form over jumps over the last year, however, and he looks poorly handicapped (particularly from 4lb wrong) judged on his results over fences.

100/1

11th

5

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Buddy One

11st 8lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Third in the 2m4f Martin Pipe at this meeting in 2023; creditable fifth in last year's Grade 1 Stayers' here but he's not really sparked since, including over fences; 6lb lower now than his peak British mark; equipped with cheekpieces on latest outing (stiff task) and today.

40/1

6th

1

26th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 6f 111y

14:35 Galway

Buddy One

12st 2lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Interfered with early when tailed off on the Flat last time; didn't run too badly in the Galway Plate the time before when mistakes didn't help, but this smart hurdler has yet to reach the same heights over fences; respected but others appeal more.

9/2

OUR TIP

16/1

Form: 30-211

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Successful in a couple of useful handicaps at Ascot (2m3f, good) since wearing cheekpieces; open to further progress in the headgear but appears to have a stiff task on these terms and the trip is an unknown.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Windsor

Altobelli

11st 0lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Won two handicaps in a row at Ascot (2m3f, good) early last year; also effective on soft ground and didn't stay 3m in Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot latest; all of his best form has come at Ascot but he hasn't had many chances to show what he can do elsewhere and he's in the picture on his peak efforts.

7/1

8th

1

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Altobelli

11st 10lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Successful in a couple of useful handicaps at Ascot (2m3f, good) since wearing cheekpieces; open to further progress in the headgear but appears to have a stiff task on these terms and the trip is an unknown.

16/1

Form: 1-F351 CD

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Record of 4-7 for current stable includes emphatic wins in the 3m handicap hurdle on this card last year and the Rendlesham (Grade 2) at Haydock on latest outing, both on good to soft ground; could well have further progress in him; respected back at Aintree.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

26th Apr 2025

Good

2m 5f 110y

Class 1

15:00 Sandown

Gwennie May Boy

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Dan Skelton

Posted handicap hat-trick at the end of last season and was better than ever when comfortably landing a Grade 2 at Haydock (3m, good to soft) this February; a case can be made on that form but he was tailed off in a Grade 1 at Aintree (3m, good) just three weeks ago and needs to bounce back.

16/1

6th

2

26th Apr 2025

Good

2m 5f 110y

Class 1

15:00 Sandown

Gwennie May Boy

11st 10lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Dan Skelton

Posted handicap hat-trick at the end of last season and was better than ever when comfortably landing a Grade 2 at Haydock (3m, good to soft) this February; a case can be made on that form but he was tailed off in a Grade 1 at Aintree (3m, good) just three weeks ago and needs to bounce back.

16/1

Form: -3611U D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 161

Form & Verdict
Failed to show his form in this race two years ago; otherwise a smart stayer and he beat Bob Olinger in Graded races in November/December (both on yielding), prior to having no luck (hampered by faller and unseated rider mid-race) in the Stayers' Hurdle; capable of being involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Home By The Lee

11st 10lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

11yo who was running in the Stayers' Hurdle for the fifth time when making the breakthrough in that Cheltenham Grade 1 last month (3m, good); pulled up in this race on both visits to Aintree and 33-1 when winning at the Festival, but it was certainly no fluke judged on the pick of his career exploits and he's the one to beat if repeating that latest form.

7/1

1st

6

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Home By The Lee

11st 10lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Two-time Grade 1 winner, latterly in 2024, who landed the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park in January, showing he retains considerable spark at the age of 11; he's run well in this race previously but has found Grade 1 races tough over the last 12 months; could have same problem today.

33/1

Form: B/51-5 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Has shown his best form over fences, notwithstanding a Listed win in this sphere; well behind Gwennie May Boy at Haydock on sole start this season and is bottom of this pack on hurdles figures; enough to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Sounds Russian

11st 10lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Ruth Jefferson

Has shown his best form over fences, notwithstanding a Listed win in this sphere; well behind Gwennie May Boy at Haydock on sole start this season and is bottom of this pack on hurdles figures; enough to prove.

100/1

9

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Sounds Russian

11st 10lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Ruth Jefferson

Has shown his best form over fences, notwithstanding a Listed win in this sphere; well behind Gwennie May Boy at Haydock on sole start this season and is bottom of this pack on hurdles figures; enough to prove.

100/1

5

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Sounds Russian

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Ruth Jefferson

Merely fifth of six in this last year when back from an absence and this 10yo returns from some more time off today; however, he was a Grade 2 chase winner in January 2023 and he won a Listed novice hurdle at Perth (3m, soft) last April; in the mix if bringing his best chase form to the table.

10/1

Non-runners

Dashel Drasher, Teahupoo

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £85.30
Straight Forecast £70.08
Tricast £488.20
Trifecta £497.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Gwennie May Boy

The Guardian:

Home By The Lee

D Express:

Kitzbuhel

RP RATINGS:

Teahupoo

Telegraph:

The Wallpark

The Times:

Strong Leader

TOPSPEED:

Jetara

WEST COUNTRY:

Altobelli

Daily Record:

Kitzbuhel

Daily Mail:

Gwennie May Boy

The Star:

Gwennie May Boy

POSTDATA:

Teahupoo

Daily Mirror:

Home By The Lee

The Sun:

Home By The Lee