The Grand Sefton Handicap Chase 2024: A Race to Remember!
Gather ’round, horse lovers and nasty gamblers! This Saturday, the Aintree racecourse is set to host more drama than a Saturday night soap opera. Percussion is back, and if last year’s performance is anything to go by, he’s itching to drop some beats as he takes on 12 rivals in the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase. Last year, he came in second—like a haughty waiter who just couldn’t serve up the main course properly! Will he finally claim that elusive first place, or will he be stuck in the friend zone again? Only time—and maybe a few wagers—will tell!
Rivalry Heating Up
Now, let’s talk about Frero Banbou—our very own bronze medalist from last year’s race! He’s been knocked down to a weight of 130. Poor thing! Three pounds lighter and still floundering; it’s like being on a diet but still binge-watching reality shows at 2 AM. But don’t count him out just yet; he might just surprise us all!
Then we have Gaboriot, aiming for a hat-trick! Just imagine his little victory dance—probably looks like a cross between a man trying to get a traffic light to change and someone whose pants are on fire. Gaboriot didn’t have the best outing last time around, failing to get past the 12th fence in the Foxhunters. But hey, who doesn’t trip over their own feet occasionally?
The Comeback Kings
Latenightpass is back after a commendable run in last year’s Grand National. Think of him as the horsey equivalent of Rocky Balboa—he might have hit the canvas, but it passed a chocolate bar right afterwards. The excitement doesn’t stop there! Sure Touch could land five wins in a row! That’s smoother than my last first date, and trust me, I’ve had more than a few of those flops!
Paddy Power Palace of Odds
Want the juicy details on the latest odds? The good people at Paddy Power have you covered. They’ve got all the rich, finger-lickin’ facts you need right on their site to help you make decisions more solid than my gym routine after January!
Timeform’s Top Picks
According to the horse whisperers over at Timeform, the race is wide open. They’ve thrown their support behind the classic LATENIGHTPASS, thanks to his proven track record over the National fences. Meanwhile, Percussion has been licking his chops after being placed in the last two renewals. That’s like scoring a two-for-one deal—except nobody has to know you overpaid for the last two tries!
Who’s Who in the Race
Let’s meet our contenders and their fabulous trainers:
Authorized Art
Trainer: Gary & Josh Moore Jockey: Caoilin Quinn Age: 9 Weight: 12st 0lbs
He’s got the chops, finishing third in a big chase at Punchestown. Back in the game with a longer trip this time. Fingers crossed he doesn’t forget where he’s going!
Latenightpass
Trainer: Tom Ellis Jockey: Miss Gina Andrews Age: 11 Weight: 11st 8lbs
A true hero on the National fences, with hopes of redemption after a stalling finish last time. Is this the comeback we all deserve? Or just a great excuse for a pint?
Outlaw Peter
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Freddie Gingell Age: 8 Weight: 11st 5lbs
He’s on the right track and might just steal the spotlight. A breathing operation ahead of the season? Sounds like he took up yoga!
Sure Touch
Trainer: Olly Murphy Jockey: Sean Bowen Age: 8 Weight: 11st 4lbs
Four wins last season over hurdles! He’s now looking to translate that triumph to the chase scene; he’s the dream horse in the making!
Frero Banbou
Trainer: Venetia Williams Jockey: Charlie Deutsch Age: 9 Weight: 10st 5lbs
He’s never won in a while but has led some fierce battles. Like that mate who’s been single forever but still shows up at the club every week with a new outfit!
Final Thoughts
As we gear up for the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase, the atmosphere is electric! Will returning horses rise to the occasion or will the new contenders sweep in for victory? Strap in, folks; it’s going to be a race full of excitement, tactics, and possibly a few awkward falls. All that’s left is to grab your popcorn and make sure you’re tuned in to see the drama unfold. And remember—the only thing risking it all is the horse, not you!
This article incorporates the signature wit and observational humor, drawing on the comedic styles of Jimmy Carr, Rowan Atkinson, Ricky Gervais, and Lee Evans. It aims to inform while keeping the readers entertained, capturing the excitement and unpredictability of horse racing!
Percussion is gearing up to compete against 12 formidable rivals in the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree on Saturday, marking a crucial opportunity for last year’s runner-up to secure victory.
Frero Banbou, who captured the bronze medal in the previous year’s race, is returning with a competitive edge, benefiting from a favorable mark of 130, which is 3lbs lower than last year, especially after a series of less successful outings.
Trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, who were behind last year’s champion, the late Gesskille, now saddle the ambitious Gaboriot. Gaboriot is striving to secure a hat-trick, though he encountered difficulties last time out, failing to clear beyond the 12th fence in the recent Foxhunters event held over the same course and distance.
Latenightpass is making his return after an impressive performance in the Grand National last April, where he showed promise before tiring in the final stretch. He previously won the same race two years ago.
Summer Plate victor Sure Touch is aiming for an impressive fifth consecutive win, while King Turgeon comes in 2lbs ahead of the competition after a powerful victory last month.
The latest Grand Sefton Handicap Chase odds are accessible on the Paddy Power website and app, with comprehensive insights from Timeform’s guide to the runners and expert betting tips provided below.
Grand Sefton Handicap Chase 2024 verdict
Timeform: This race is particularly competitive, and the nod goes to Latenightpass due to his impressive history navigating the National fences; a return to a shorter trip seems set to enhance his chances. Percussion should also be taken seriously, having finished in the top ranks in the previous two iterations of this race, and contenders such as Frero Banbou, Harper’s Brook, and Sure Touch also merit attention.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Grand Sefton Handicap Chase 2024 runners and riders
The following horses have been declared for the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase 2024.
Authorized Art
Trainer: Gary & Josh Moore Jockey: Caoilin Quinn Age: 9 Weight: 12st 0lbs
A smart chaser previously with Willie Mullins, Authorized Art demonstrated his capabilities by finishing third in a competitive handicap chase at Punchestown (20.4f) last July. He had a promising start over hurdles with his new team, facing a trip that was too short for him at Kempton.
Latenightpass
Trainer: Tom Ellis Jockey: Miss Gina Andrews Age: 11 Weight: 11st 8lbs
A horse widely recognized for his expertise over the National fences, Latenightpass not only triumphed in the 2022 Foxhunters but also enhanced his performance in the Cross Country discipline under Dan Skelton at Cheltenham in December. He completed the Grand National for this yard in April but struggled with stamina towards the finish. Having undergone a wind operation, he is competing over a shorter distance.
Outlaw Peter
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Freddie Gingell Age: 8 Weight: 11st 5lbs
Outlaw Peter wrapped up last season positively, winning 2m4f handicaps at both Kempton and Ayr in the spring, and capped it off with a strong second at Sandown. Following a breathing surgery, his return could unveil even more potential.
Sure Touch
Trainer: Olly Murphy Jockey: Sean Bowen Age: 8 Weight: 11st 4lbs
After a stellar year in hurdles with four victories, Sure Touch continued to excel over fences, completing a hat-trick at Perth in April. Resuming where he left off in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen in July, he appears to be a chaser on the rise.
Richmond Lake
Trainer: Donald McCain Jockey: Theo Gillard Age: 8 Weight: 11st 3lbs
Richmond Lake enjoyed a hugely productive 2023, achieving a four-timer in a competitive nine-runner handicap chase here in December. However, he seemed to lose confidence in his jumping towards the close of his season, a challenge he’ll face again over these demanding fences.
Harper’s Brook
Trainer: Dan Skelton Jockey: Kielan Woods Age: 8 Weight: 11st 0lbs
Despite possessing some quirks, Harper’s Brook has shown flashes of ability, notably leaving the field behind during his successful outing at Sandown in February. However, he had a disappointing outing in a visor during the Grand Annual following his final race for Ben Pauling, making it intriguing to watch how Dan Skelton approaches his training this season post-breathing operation.
Idalko Bihoue
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies Age: 6 Weight: 10st 7lbs
Idalko Bihoue somewhat lost his way over hurdles but proved he retains potential over fences by winning a novices’ handicap at Cheltenham in October 2023. Although his following two performances fell short of expectations, he makes his return with his yard performing well.
Frero Banbou
Trainer: Venetia Williams Jockey: Charlie Deutsch Age: 9 Weight: 10st 5lbs
Frero Banbou has been on a losing streak since 2022; however, he has showcased commendable performances in defeat, including a solid third-place finish in this race last year. The hold-up tactics he employed at the Topham last April did not suit him, making him an interesting contender upon his return.
Percussion
Trainer: L J Morgan Jockey: Adam Wedge Age: 9 Weight: 10st 4lbs
Percussion has endured a lengthy spell without a win, yet he demonstrated competitive form when finishing second in the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter this June. Having placed in the last two editions of this race, it’s evident that these fences play to his strengths, making him a horse to watch closely.
Gaboriot
Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero Jockey: Henry Brooke Age: 8 Weight: 10st 2lbs
Vintage Fizz
Trainer: Jedd O’Keeffe Jockey: Conor O’Farrell Age: 7 Weight: 10st 2lbs
Vintage Fizz achieved two wins in small-field handicap chases at around 2½m during 2023 and came close to winning at Market Rasen on his second outing post-break in June. He has returned to form, finishing fourth at Wetherby three weeks prior.
King Turgeon
Trainer: David Pipe Jockey: Jack Tudor Age: 6 Weight: 10st 2lbs
After undergoing a second breathing operation, King Turgeon kicked off his new season on a high note, scoring a victory at Chepstow just 11 days ago. Despite carrying a penalty and being outside the weights, he remains a contender who cannot be overlooked.
Galon De Vauzelle
Trainer: P. J. Rothwell Jockey: S. D. Torrens Age: 8 Weight: 10st 2lbs
Galon De Vauzelle delivered a career-best performance when securing victory in a 10-runner handicap chase at Listowel (23.8f, soft) 29 days ago, where he forged ahead. Known for thriving on winter ground, he faces a tough challenge here being 4 lbs out of the weights.
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Rior, and he appears to be stepping up in class for this challenge.
King Turgeon
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien Jockey: Jack Tudor Age: 7 Weight: 10st 0lbs
Fresh off a strong victory last month, King Turgeon enters the Grand Sefton with momentum. His ability to handle the National fences is a significant asset, and he will look to maintain his winning form against tough competition.
Turbo Tiger
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Jordan Nailor Age: 10 Weight: 10st 0lbs
Turbo Tiger has been a solid performer but has struggled to find the same form consistently over recent months. His experience and running style may come in handy, but he will need to return to peak condition to be a factor in this race.
Lanvasper
Trainer: Henry Oliver Jockey: Richard Patrick Age: 6 Weight: 9st 7lbs
A younger contender in this lineup, Lanvasper is looking for breakthrough success after a series of solid performances in lower profile races. He has shown promise, although stepping up against seasoned competitors may prove challenging.
Conclusion
The Grand Sefton Handicap Chase promises to be an exciting contest, with a strong field of contenders vying for victory. Latenightpass, with his proven history over the national fences, is a strong favorite. However, other competitors like Frero Banbou and Percussion will be looking to upset the favorites. Be sure to keep an eye on the latest odds and developments leading up to the race.
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