Grand National Festival: Five horses who caught the eye in defeat at Aintree

Race: Third in the

caught the eye in defeat over hurdles at this meeting last year where he stayed on strongly over 2m4f, and it was a similar scenario again this time. A step up to three miles surely beckons next season for this talented performer. 

Nicky Henderson’s charge was outpaced turning for home in the Arkle before storming home to score, and Henderson quickly said afterwards that his six-year-old “is not a two-mile chaser”. 

He probably found the ground a shade too quick here and didn’t quite have the speed to challenge at a crucial time. He may have also found the outing coming too soon after his exertions at Cheltenham. 

The consistent performer has produced some strong form this season, and stepping up in trip next season should unlock further improvement, with the 2025 Ladbrokes King George VI Chase a logical target. 

Race: Second in the

This was a huge effort from La Conquiere on just her second start, and first outing since December, and the future looks bright for this youngster who is held in high regard by her connections. 

La Conquiere finished runner-up on her debut, where she looked in need of the experience, for Denis Leahy in Ireland before joining the Jamie Snowden team, and the form of that race has worked out OK. 

The six-year-old travelled nicely into contention here and found plenty under pressure to only be narrowly denied by Seo Linn, who also had an experience edge. 

Connections said afterwards that softer ground would have been preferred, and she is without doubt the contender to take out of the race, with a novice hurdling campaign on the horizon next season. 

Race: Second in the

A huge talking horse ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, with his connections believing he was nicely treated off a rating of 136 on his first outing in Britain. 

Things did not go to plan in the Martin Pipe, but this effort hinted he does have a few pounds in hand given he would have won in a few more strides. The winner was given a fine ride by Jonjo O’Neill Jr, and the pair had some useful handicappers in behind. 

was held up this time and clocked the fastest FSP, according to the RaceiQ data which also showed he recorded an impressive Jump Index score of 9.4. 

The handicapper will, of course, raise him a few pounds for this outing, but he’s one to keep on side, and could develop into a Graded performer next season. 

Race: Third in the

The gamble of the day on Friday, was unfortunate not to finish closer in this contest and deserves credit for his effort in defeat having been badly hampered in the early stages. 

Admittedly, he did quickly recoup the lengths he lost, and had every chance in the straight, but that incident appeared to take a toll late on. 

His form prior to this outing had been franked, so it was clear why he attracted strong support, and it is wise to think a rating of 132 underestimates this six-year-old who remains lightly raced. 

His connections won the Welsh Champion Hurdle last year with Celtic Dino, and that contest at Ffos Las in October could be his early-season target next term. 

Race: Second in the

A six-year-old that is held in the highest regard by the Paul Nicholls team, and while he has suffered a couple of defeats this season when sent off a short-priced favourite, he looks set to be an exciting novice chaser next term.

Nicholls has always said his six-year-old is a chaser in the making, and has already made comparisons to classy performer Clan Des Obeaux. His charge still looks a work in progress, too, as he was kept away from the others at the start here plus wore a first-time hood, which did appear to relax him as he's tended to race keenly on his previous outings. 

"What a super chaser he's going to make," Nicholls said after this outing, as well as reaffirming that Regent's Stroll is learning all the time. 

He also appeared to relish better ground here, and stepping up to three miles should be beneficial based on his performances this season, and his breeding.