At the Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside each autumn, the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase takes centre stage as a true test of grit, jumping and stamina. The race is open to horses aged six years or older and is contested over approximately two mile and five furlongs, during which the field must clear 18 fences — the same imposing barriers used in the famous Grand National.

The Grand Sefton first ran back in 1865, carving out a niche among the autumn jumping fixtures. It remained in place until 1965 when its fortunes waned and it was discontinued. However, in 2003 it was revived — this time over the National fences and scheduled as part of Aintree’s November or December meeting. Since its revival the race has steadily grown in prestige and remains a coveted prize for more than just handicappers.

For those who follow the horse racing betting odds and the betting prices at Aintree and beyond – let’s take a look at the past three winners of this fixture in preparation for the 2025 renewal on Saturday, November 8.

2024

In the 2024 running, it saw 13 runners contest the fixture on good to soft ground.  The winner, King Turgeon – a six-year-old trained by David Pipe and ridden by Jack Tudor – led early, conceded briefly, but returned to command in the closing stages, proving his ability to handle the National fences with pace intact.

This sort of dynamic – a combination of jump-skill, stamina and race-craft – defines winners of the Grand Sefton.

2023

On a heavy, rain-soaked afternoon at Aintree Racecourse, seven-year-old French-bred chaser Gesskille finally stood in the winner’s enclosure, after a near-miss the previous year.

Trained by the young team of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, Gesskille came into the race as the favourite with selected bookies for the Class 2 handicap.

He had fashioned an almost identical story a year earlier — a nose defeat in this very event — and also a runner-up finish in the Becher Chase the following month. Greenall acknowledged that win would bring “relief” after coming so close; the blinkers had been added and Gesskille had shown good form in France.

Under jockey Henry Brooke, Gesskille raced prominently and travelled with purpose, making his move at the 12th fence and staying on strongly when challenged. Despite testing heavy ground and the famous spruce fences of Aintree, he held off a strong challenge from Percussion. Gesskille crossed the line two lengths clear in a time of five minutes and 46.19s.

2022

Off at around 5/1 odds, Al Dancer lined up in a 14-runner field under jockey Charlie Deutsch. The going was good to soft, over 18 fences on the Grand National course.

He travelled well throughout, showing a liking for the big fences, and at two fences out appeared to have the race in his grip. However, a determined finish by Gesskille – who took second place – kept the margin to the narrowest of margins. Al Dancer prevailed by a nose in a final time of about five minutes and 27 seconds.