April 13 / 15.05 Aintree

15.05

Soft

JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £140325
  • 3m 0f 149y
  • Class 1
  • 10 runners
ITV
View Course
JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £10.30
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 2-0243 C

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Absent since running well in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham (good to soft; wore cheekpieces; Grade 2) 11 weeks ago on first attempt over 3m; unexposed at this trip and his Aintree form includes a good second in Grade 1 novice (2m) at this meeting last year; possibilities.
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

OUR TIP

10/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 3115P4 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft going; good second in 2m4f handicap at this meeting last year; looks set to go well again, having posted a big effort (40-1 fourth, two places behind Flooring Porter) in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham most recently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(7)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 200y

18:15 Fairyhouse

Buddy One

9st 8lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Paul John Gilligan

Smart staying hurdler/chaser, midfield in BetMGM Handicap at Cheltenham in March when last seen; lightly raced on Flat, winning 1m5f Ballinrobe maiden last season, well held in Leopardstown handicap subsequently; may just need this comeback run with Galway on the horizon.

8/1

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

11/2

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 129-F1 D

Last run: 62 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 7yo who justified favouritism in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan (2m5f, heavy; Grade 2) two months ago, taking record in this sphere to 3-5; open to further improvement and he's fresher than several of these rivals; stays 3m; interesting.
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

Form: /29-1P D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 154

Form & Verdict
Very promising in his younger days but missed two years due to an injury and, despite Grade 2 win on most recent hurdles attempt, it's still not clear whether he retains full ability; pulled up (bled from nose) in Cheltenham Gold Cup last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

2nd May 2024

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:00 Punchestown

Monkfish

11st 10lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Unable to fulfill his immense promise due to injury; won the Galmoy Hurdle in January and not disgraced in the Liverpool Hurdle last time but needs to find a bit more; bled in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on his penultimate run.

20/1

8th

5

2nd May 2024

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:00 Punchestown

Monkfish

11st 10lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Unable to fulfill his immense promise due to injury; won the Galmoy Hurdle in January and not disgraced in the Liverpool Hurdle last time but needs to find a bit more; bled in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on his penultimate run.

20/1

4th

9

13th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Monkfish

11st 10lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Very promising in his younger days but missed two years due to an injury and, despite Grade 2 win on most recent hurdles attempt, it's still not clear whether he retains full ability; pulled up (bled from nose) in Cheltenham Gold Cup last month.

12/1

Form: -91332 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 159

Form & Verdict
Front-runner; had a spell over fences prior to his second in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham (3m, soft) last month, taking his record in that race to 1142; placed in this contest for the last two years (second in 2022, third in 2023); solid claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 1f 56y

Class 1

14:25 Cheltenham

Flooring Porter

11st 4lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Dual Stayers' Hurdle winner; has not reached quite the same level in five starts over fences but he still won the Kerry National at Listowel (3m, soft) when last seen in September 2024, making all and barely coming off the bridle; hard to weigh up after a long absence but conditions should suit and he'd be no forlorn hope if ready to roll.

12/1

3

25th Sep 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

16:20 Listowel

Flooring Porter

11st 4lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Dual Stayers' Hurdle winner and fine second in latest renewal in March; had three runs over fences last season, all over 3m; won at Cheltenham, jumped poorly when not enjoying going right-handed at Punchestown, and then fair third in Leopardstown Grade 1; found 2m1f much too sharp at Killarney in July on handicap debut; trip will suit.

8/1

5th

2

19th Jul 2024

Good

2m 1f 0y

15:40 Killarney

Flooring Porter

11st 11lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

raced in last, soon outpaced and detached, some headway when mistake 3 out, weakened 2 out

9/4

Form: F1-401 D

Last run: 109 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
Admirable chaser who landed the King George, albeit somewhat fortuitously, at Kempton (3m, good) on last appearance; however, record suggests he's far from guaranteed to transfer the form back to hurdles, especially if the ground is soft/heavy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

10th Jul 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

20:00 Cork

Hewick

11st 6lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Stable stalwart not getting any better at this stage, but solid hurdling form last two completions, when beaten 10l in the Stayers' at Cheltenham and a similar distance in 24-runner Punchestown festival handicap; won a pair of conditions hurdles at Thurles last year; best going this way around and genuine good ground would see him in with a big shout.

5/2

9th

1

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

16:15 Punchestown

Hewick

12st 0lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Has been a fantastic standard-bearer for his yard, winning 12 races between hurdles and fences including the King George in 2023; hasn't been at that level in the last year but ran respectably in the Stayers' Hurdle; has to bounce back from a poor Aintree run.

20/1

3

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Hewick

11st 10lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Career highlight when winning the King George over fences at Kempton in December 2023; won two conditions hurdles last year; gave it a very good go from the front when seventh in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham (3m, good) last month following wind surgery but this 11yo is probably vulnerable once more.

22/1

Form: -31348 C

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 10lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 156

Form & Verdict
Close second in the 2023 Stayer's Hurdle at Cheltenham but didn't fare nearly so well in the latest running of that prize and he was a distant sixth in this contest 12 months ago; although a good stayer on his day, he's not the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Dashel Drasher

12st 1lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jeremy Scott

Hasn't been running badly over fences this season but he's clearly not the force of old and he would prefer softer ground for this return to hurdling.

10/1

6th

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Dashel Drasher

12st 1lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jeremy Scott

Hasn't been running badly over fences this season but he's clearly not the force of old and he would prefer softer ground for this return to hurdling.

10/1

Form: 7-1319 C

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 157

Form & Verdict
Acts on ground from good to heavy; disappointing in the Stayers' Hurdle most recently but progressive otherwise and could well rebound; won at this course (2m4f handicap) in October and Ascot (3m Grade 1, gamely) in December; remains of major interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:00 Punchestown

Crambo

11st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

prominent, soon went second, outpaced after 2 out

9/1

7th

3

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:00 Punchestown

Crambo

11st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

prominent, soon went second, outpaced after 2 out

9/1

Form: 4-1661 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 152

Form & Verdict
Finished behind some of these rivals in two major races this season but comes here fresh, having been absent since his Rendlesham success at Haydock (3m, heavy; Grade 2) eight weeks ago; better than ever last time and could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 57y

Class 3

15:32 Newbury

Botox Has

11st 13lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

10yo who's not the force of old; down the weights and this race is a drop in class, but he needs to improve on this season's form nevertheless.

12/1

3rd

2

22nd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 29y

Class 1

14:50 Fontwell

Botox Has

11st 4lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

2-2 here, including when gamely holding Brewin'upastorm in the 2022 edition of this race; also won Grade 2 Rendlesham at Haydock (about 3m, heavy) in February 2024 but hasn't matched that form subsequently and was tailed off in a Windsor handicap (3m, soft) last month.

10/1

12th

1

18th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Windsor

Botox Has

12st 0lb

J: Jude Fernandes

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Gained the last of his Grade 2 wins almost two years ago; generally below that form since, most recently returned to handicap level; doesn't look set to end the losing spell.

14/1

Form: 135-45 CD

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 10lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 156

Form & Verdict
Veteran; smart in his prime but his two efforts this term fall well short of his peak form; beaten twice in this race (third in 2022, fifth in 2023) and is unlikely to make it third time lucky unless first-time headgear has a significant effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

13th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Champ

11st 10lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Nicky Henderson

Veteran; smart in his prime but his two efforts this term fall well short of his peak form; beaten twice in this race (third in 2022, fifth in 2023) and is unlikely to make it third time lucky unless first-time headgear has a significant effect.

25/1

3

13th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Champ

11st 10lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Nicky Henderson

in touch with leaders, struggling after 10th, soon weakened, pulled up before 3 out

25/1

Non-runners

Proschema, Sire Du Berlais

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £68.60
Straight Forecast £66.60
Tricast £333.20
Trifecta £490.90

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

Crambo

RP RATINGS:

Sire Du Berlais

SPOTLIGHT:

Hiddenvalley Lake

TOPSPEED:

Buddy One

The Times:

Strong Leader

Daily Record:

Flooring Porter

Daily Mirror:

Botox Has

The Star:

Hewick

POSTDATA:

Dashel Drasher

LAMBOURN:

Champ

D Express:

Hiddenvalley Lake

Telegraph:

Crambo

The Sun:

Crambo

The Guardian:

Sire Du Berlais

Daily Mail:

Sire Du Berlais