Mares’ Standard Open

Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Overview

The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race is run at Aintree Racecourse. It is usually the final race on the opening day of the Aintree Festival. The competitive flat race or “bumper” is run over an extended two-mile trip on what is a flat turning track. As it is a flat race, there are no obstacles to be jumped, but the first prize of just over £28,000 is well worth winning.

2025 Champion Hurdle winner Golden Ace was a good runner-up to Dysart Enos in this race a couple of seasons ago, whilst last year’s winner Diva Luna also went on to run a huge race in the Dawn Run Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival a couple of weeks ago when finishing third to Air Of Entitlement. The race is known for producing high-quality mares and that looks set to continue.

Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Betting Trends and Statistics

• The leading trainer in The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat race in the most recent renewals is Alan King, who has won the race three times.
• King’s three winners were Senorita Rumbalita (2005), Avispa (2014) and The Glancing Queen (2019).
• Other trainers who have recorded multiple wins in the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat race are Nicky Henderson (2) and Peter Bowen (2).
• There is one trainer who has not had the best of times in the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat race and that is Donald McCain. The local trainer has sent a total of 12 runners to the race in recent years without recording any wins.
• Rachael Blackmore, Alain Cawley and Nico De Boinville have 33% strike rates when riding in this race and will all be looking to add to that here.
• There is one jockey with an outstandingly poor record in the race and that is Brian Hughes. The Champion jockey has had ten previous rides in the race and has not even managed to place at least once.
• Sam Twiston Davies is also a jockey to avoid in this race as he has also not even managed a place effort from nine previous attempts.
• Horses that are sent off as favourites for this race have a poor record in the race. Only two of the last ten have obliged on the day.

Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat History

The race was first run as a listed event in 2005 and it was upgraded to Grade 2 Status in 2016. The race is run in honour of Nickel Coin, who was the most recent mare to win the Grand National way back in 1951. Robert Thornton (Senorita Rumbalita in 2005 and Avispa in 2014) and Ruby Walsh (Rhacophorus in 2006 and Candy Creek in 2009) are the only jockeys to have tasted victory more than once in this race.