Grand National 2024 – Gwennie May Boy wins the opener on day three

Gwennie May Boy (9-2) surprised his new trainer Dan Skelton to win the William Hill Handicap Hurdle, the opening race on Randox Grand National day at Aintree Racecourse.

Skelton landed this Aintree contest with Aux Ptit Soins in 2019 and West Balbao 12 months ago. And the latter was his main hope of three in the 21-strong field this time and was sent off the 11-4 favourite under the trainer's brother Harry Skelton. But it was Gwennie May Boy, who had won both his starts at Bangor and Uttoxeter since moving to the Skelton stable from Jonjo O'Neill's Jackdaws Castle yard, who came out on top. Under Charlie Todd, who partnered Party Business to win the race for Ian Williams two years ago, Gwennie May Boy powered clear coming to the final flight to eventually win by seven-and-a-half lengths from Lord Snootie (18-1). Favourite and Skelton stable-mate West Balbao was half-a-length back in third in his bid to defend his crown, with O'Neill's Johnnywho (9-1) a further neck adrift in fourth.

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Trainer Skelton said: “I have to say I genuinely thought West Balboa would win, especially after Kateira won yesterday, and there was nothing separating them at Kempton Park on the run before.

“I am astounded at the improvement in this horse. He is still only six years old which is remarkable. Walking around beforehand I thought he was a bit light, and might be over the top, but what do I know as it is clearly how he likes to be. I’ve not had him all that long to be honest with you. He has just been a remarkable little horse. I didn’t even work him out before I ran him at Bangor, I just ran him, and then obviously thought that was a bit unexpected. I knew there was a £100,000 race at