Grand National 2024 – Its On The Line wins over the big Aintree fences

Its On The Line (3-1 favourite) went one better than at Cheltenham lastm month to grab victory over the famous Aintree in the Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase on the opening day.

In the first race run over the big obstacles on day one of the 2024 Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse the well-backed favourite, under leading amateur rider Derke O'Connor. Its On The Line has been second to Sine Nomine in the St James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase at last month's Cheltenham Festival when also sent off favourite. But back down in trip to 2m5f, he got his head in front this time.

In the famous green and gold colours of powerful Irish owner JP McManus, who has won the Grand National twice with Don't Push It (2010) and Minella Times (2021), the eight-year-old was always travelling and jumping well just off the pace set mostly by Dan Skelton's Benny's King (8-1). But as they came to the final fence, It's On The Line was always closing on the leader. Coming to the Elbow there as three in a line, but whereas Its On The Line (8-1) was powering home and Bennys King was battling, Time Leader was beginning to tire. Its On The Line bounded clear and came home four-and-a-quarter-lengths clear of Bennys King with the staying on Annamix (5-1), for the Willie Mullins stable.

Vanillier for victory in the Grand National

Emmet Mullins – who saddles new top weight and 2022 Aintree hero Noble Yeats in the Grand National on Saturday – said: “He has got ability and Derek (O’Connor) is good and persistent on him, and he gets everything out of him. I suppose we were thankful of the loose horses out there today as he had a bit of company and he was able to stretch out and go away, and he has done it well to