I’m backing Nicky Henderson to leave Cheltenham disaster behind him on day one of Grand National meeting at Aintree

TO back Nicky Henderson, or not to back Nicky Henderson? That is the big question on day one of the 2024 Grand National meeting.

At Cheltenham, a beleaguered Henderson ruled out most of his stars. Now, at Aintree, he unleashes Prestbury Park absentees like Sir Gino and Shishkin, but with us all guessing if they are back to their best. Hendo, in you we trust. Don’t let us down!

Chappers looks ahead to day one at AintreeNews Group Newspapers Ltd.

I’m privileged to be part of the ITV team at Aintree, and remember we start each day with an Opening Show at 9.30am so don’t miss the chat.

One of the conversations is sure to be about the Henderson string, but I’m happy to keep the faith and hope the master of Seven Barrows is back in the big time after a torrid period which, of course, has also seen stable star Constitution Hill ruled out for the season.

On ITV Henderson is straight into the spotlight with the Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle. The Grade 1s have cut up which means each-way betting has been hit hard.

I’d have loved to give Nurburgring another go if there had been eight runnners.

But with just seven I have to stick with Henderson’s SIR GINO who should be too strong for the talented Triumph runner-up Kargese. Sir Gino looked special when last seen at Cheltenham and proved he goes in heavy ground.

Henderson and De Boinville are back at it with Shishkin in the Grade 1 Aintree Bowl. Corbetts Cross is fascinating here but this is much harder than the National Hunt Chase and it’s a huge step up in class.

SHISHKIN really should run huge if showing his King George form and he goes well here as the defending champion of this race and winner of the Maghull as a novice.

For many the big race of the day for many is the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle. If Henderson is not on song I’m stuffed as I’ll be supporting LUCCIA who I hope will love this step up in trip. She missed the Betfair Hurdle because of soft ground but I have no worries about her on the surface.

The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase is next. I was a little bit disappointed with the defeat of Its On The Line at Cheltenham and he had a very hard race so I’ll take him on here. Not many of these are absolute mud lovers. One who is, though, is the 2022 third ANNAMIX who goes for Patrick and Willie Mullins. An each-way chance.

Finally the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase over two miles. Tricky.

Unexpected Party did this column a right favour at Cheltenham but I’m not sure he has the speed of this and he’s up 8lb. The one I like is improving stable companion HELTENHAM who is on a hat-trick and I think will travel well off a strong gallop. Another each-way. Good luck!

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