Kirby looking towards Topham with Top Ville Ben
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Phil Kirby’s popular campaigner Top Ville Ben could head next for the Topham Chase at Aintree.
The 11-year-old was pulled up when seen most recently in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival, but prior to that he was a gallant third in the Leopardstown Handicap Chase in early February.
The gelding already has some experience of the Grand National track having run in both the Becher and the National itself last season.
He may have pulled up before the third fence from home in the latter race, but he jumped well up until that point despite being seriously hampered on landing at the 10th.
Top Ville Ben at Aintree in 2019
Kirby will school the horse at home after feeling his jumping was less than fluent at Cheltenham, and a satisfactory session will see him head back to Aintree for the two-mile-five-furlong handicap.
The trainer said: “He’s an entry in the Topham, so that’s the plan at the moment.
“He was just a bit sticky at Cheltenham so we’re going to school him at home.
“We’ll school him and if he jumps well then the plan will be to go there, but he’s come out of the race at Cheltenham absolutely fine.”
Win a superb Grand National package!
We have teamed up with Aintree to give away two tickets for Randox Grand National day (Saturday 15th April) plus a 50" television AND a one-year Racing TV subscription. Current Racing TV members are welcome to enter. Click here for more details.!
Related posts
Sunday tips from Katie Midwinter: "She is the one to beat"
Dante Stakes: runner-by-runner guide and 12-1 tip
Watch: Aidan O’Brien impressed by Constitution River
‘He is possibly the best ever’: Five talking points from Dan Skelton’s season
Leopardstown preview: “Don’t lose faith in Pierre yet," says O'Brien
Featured offers
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets in Multis with Betfair
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 & Get £30 in free bets with bet365
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets with Betano
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved