The National Hunt racing season is reaching its culmination, but not before the lucrative Grand National Festival takes place at Aintree.
The meeting spans three days (11-13 April) in the heart of Merseyside and is, of course, headlined by the prestigious Grand National itself.
However, while the grueling four-mile, two-and-a-half-furlong contest is the star of the show at Aintree, there is plenty to be excited about — including 11 Grade 1 races.
One of those is the Aintree Bowl. A top-level contest raced over three miles and one furlong, the Bowl is one of four Grade 1s on the opening day of the Grand National Festival.
Often attracting runners who competed in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, this year’s renewal looks enticing with Gerri Colombe, Shishkin, Hewick, and Fastorslow just a few of the star names in the Grand National 2024 bet ante-post market.
With this year’s Bowl having the potential to be one of the best races of the week, let’s look at the last five winners of the £200,000 contest.
2017 – Tea For Two
In a thrilling conclusion to the Aintree Bowl, it was Tea For Two who emerged triumphant from a neck-and-neck battle against Cue Card.
Displaying unwavering resolve in the race for the finish under Lizzie Kelly, the Nick Williams-trained horse held on by the slenderest of margins to win from 10/1.
2018 – Might Bite
The year 2018 witnessed a display of pure class as Might Bite emerged victorious for Nico de Boinville and Nicky Henderson in the Aintree Bowl.
With a commanding seven-length win over Bristol De Mai at odds of 4/5, Might Bite left spectators captivated by his impeccable performance.
Despite decades of experience and being one of the best trainers in British racing history, this was Henderson’s first victory in the Bowl, which was inaugurated in 1984.
2019 – Kemboy
In a display of sheer dominance, Kemboy seized victory in the Aintree Bowl for Irish raiders Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins.
With a nine-length triumph over Clan Des Obeaux, Kemboy reaffirmed his status as the favourite at odds of 9/4.
Kemboy’s success was Mullins’ second Bowl triumph, following his maiden win with Florida Pearl 17 years prior in 2002.
2021 & 2022 – Clan Des Obeaux
With no renewal in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Clan Des Obeaux avenged his defeat to Kemboy with a whopping 26-length win over Clondaw Castle as the 5/2 market leader in 2021.
The Paul Nicholls-trained horse was less fancied 12 months later but edged out Conflated by a length to defend his Bowl crown at odds of 13/2 in the Aintree horse betting.
Clan Des Obeaux’s dual wins helped Nicholls reaffirm his dominance in the history of the Bowl, extending his record to six wins as a trainer.
2023 – Shishkin
In the latest chapter of Aintree Bowl history, it was the electrifying Shishkin who claimed victory — once again showcasing his raw talent and sheer determination.
With a masterful display of speed and agility, Shishkin surged ahead, leaving Ahoy Senior trailing behind by a length and a half.
