The Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Chase is a Grade One race that is run on the second day of the Aintree Grand National Festival. It is run over an extended three-mile trip. The winner of this race last year was none other than 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Inothewayurthinkin. He was only one of a recent batch of talented chasers who have won this race. Amongst the roll of honour, we see the likes of Might Bite, Native River and Gerri Colombe.
Mildmay Novices' Chase Racecard
William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
The winner of this contest 12 months ago, Wellington Arch has to be respected following his recent Uttoxeter success. That said, this is tougher and another 5lb rise demands more from him. With that in mind, preference is for HOT FUSS, who only found one too good in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham last month and the unexposed five-year-old can defy a 2lb rise to go a place better here. It is interesting that Emid'io Pepe makes his debut for Dan Skelton in a race of this nature and any market support for him would have to be noted. Others to consider are Indeevar Bleu, Jazzy Matty and Joyeuse.
New players. Choose bonus at signup. Wager bonus 10x. Deposit used 1st. Any withdrawals void bonus. Valid 30 days. Odds, bet & payment limits. T&Cs apply. 18+.
*New members only. £10+ bet on sports (ex. virtuals) at 1.5 min odds, settled within 14 days. Free Bets: accepted in 7 days, valid 7 days; £20 use on sportsbook, £10 on Bet Builder. Stake not returned. T&Cs + deposit exclusions apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org. 18+
BET 20 GET 20 offer is available starting from 26.05.2025. The £20 Free Bet is valid for 7 days. Opt in through the Copybet App or Web to claim your free bet. Copybet App login required to claim your free bet. No cash-out on either Qualifying Bets or Free Bets. Deposit using an instant bank payment secured by Truelayer to unlock the offer. Max payout – £500. Qualifying bet must be a Single or Acca (2+ selections) bet with stake of £20+ at odds of 1.9 or higher and settled within 7 days of opting-in.
Mildmay Novices’ Chase Overview
The Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Chase is run at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It is usually scheduled as the opening race on the second day of the Aintree Festival. There is no hiding place in this first Grade 1 of the day as there are a total of nineteen fences to be jumped over this extended three-mile trip. It takes around six-and-a-half minutes to complete the race.
Inothewayurthinkin led home a one-two for JP McManus in this race last year as he got the better of Iroko by four lengths. Horses that run well at the Cheltenham Festival a few weeks earlier have a fairly good record in this Grade 1 event. They are usually then put away for the major staying races the following season. Winning connections can expect to receive in and around £67,000 for winning this race.
Mildmay Novices’ Chase Betting Trends and Statistics
- There are two leading trainers in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase in recent renewals with both Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson who have both won the race four times apiece.
- Paul Nicholls winners’ have been with Star De Mohaison (2006), Big Bucks (2008), Silviniaco Conti (2012) and Saphir Du Rheu (2015), whilst Nicky Henderson’s winners have been with Burton Port (2010), Might Bite (2017), Terrefort (2018) and Chantry House (2021).
- Philip Hobbs has a pretty poor record in the race. He has attempted to win it on six occasions in recent seasons without success.
- The leading jockey in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase in recent renewals is Nico de Boinville, who has won the race twice. His two winners came from Might Bite (2017) and Chantry House (2021). Both Mark Walsh and Derek Fox have perfect records in the race, having won it on their only attempts to date.
- Surprisingly, Harry Cobden and Harry Skelton have had ten rides in this race (five each), and neither has managed to win it to date.
- Horses that are sent off as favourites for this race have a remarkably good recent record in it, winning five out of the past seven renewals.
Mildmay Novices’ Chase History
The race was first run in 1981 and the first two winners of the race went on to win subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cups (Bregawn and Burrough Hill Lad). The race was enhanced to Grade 1 status by the British Horseracing Authority in 2014. Former jockey Richard Dunwoody is a name synonymous with this race having ridden a record four winners down the years in the shape of Against The Grain (1987), Sparkling Flame (1991), Banjo (1995), and Cyborgo (1997).
Mildmay Novices' Chase FAQ
Who won the Mildmay Novices' Chase in 2024?
Inothewayurthinkin ran out an impressive four length winner in this race last year when beating Iroko. The form has worked out incredibly well, with the winner going on to land the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
What is the prize money for the Mildmay Novices' Chase?
There is a first prize of just over £67,000 to the winning connections of this race.
When is the Mildmay Novices' Chase?
The Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices Chase is the opening race on the second day of the Grand National meeting at Aintree.
How many fences are there to be jumped in the Mildmay Novices' Chase?
There are nineteen national hunt fences to be jumped in this Grade 1 race.
How many horses race in the Mildmay Novices' Chase?
The race usually attracts a small but high-quality field with between four and eight runners competing.
Which horses are eligible for the Mildmay Novices' Chase?
The race is specifically targeted at Novice Chasers aged five years and older.



























