2017 Becher Chase Aintree Recap

Last Updated 27 Feb 2020 | By GrandNational.org.uk | Commercial content | 18+ | Play Responsibly | T&C Apply | Wagering

In the build-up to the Grand National each year there are several key races that are often used by potential runners in the big race – one of which is the BECHER CHASE. Run at Aintree racecourse and being that it’s over 3 miles 1 furlong of the Grand National course – including the unique fences – then it’s easy to see why so many trainers pin-point the Becher Chase Aintree for their Grand National runners.

Yes, in the Grand National the final runners will have around another mile to travel, but gaining valuable experience of the tricky Grand National-style fences is a big asset for horses to have.

With that in mind and with the 2017 Becher Chase having already been run then to help we’ve listed the full finishing positions of the 15 runners below – let’s see how they get on in the 2018 Grand National.

Becher Chase Aintree Grand National

Blaklion and Gavin Sheehan win the Randox Health Becher Chase in tremendous style
JOHN GROSSICK @ Racing Post

Becher Chase Aintree 2017 Review

He was fourth in the 2017 Grand National, but the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained BLAKLION managed to go three places better in the Becher Chase Aintree on December 9, 2017.
This 8 year-old – who don’t forget will be 9 by the time the 2018 Grand National is run (every race horse has it’s birthday on the 1st of Jan) – was sent off the 7/4 favourite for the Becher Chase and after the race it was easy to see why.

Having valuable experience of these fences in the past and the fact we know he stays further than the 3m1f Becher Chase Aintree trip were huge plusses ahead of his chance. It really was a case of just getting round and jumping the tricky fences in order to reward favourite backers.

The popular The Last Samuri chased him home to complete the course for a fourth time and looks a live outsider with Grand National betting odds of around 25/1 (odds are subject to change), but with age still on his side and another year on his back the improving Blaklion is sure to be popular for the Grand National again as he bids to improve on his fourth in the race 12 months ago. Bookmakers reacted by shortening his Grand National betting odd into around 12/1 after his easy Becher Chase victory.

Don’t forget to check back to the full finishing order of the 2017 Becher Chase (below) when the final 2018 Grand National runners come out, while – as it was backed-up last year with One For Arthur – there is no harm looking further down the finishers.

2017 Becher Chase Aintree Result

ResultHorseOdds
1stBlaklion7/4F
2ndThe Last Samuri7/1
3rdHighland Lodge12/1
4thFederici33/1
5thPortrait King33/1
6thThe Young Master28/1
7thVieux Lion Rouge7/1
8thWesterner Point12/1
FellLord Windermere25/1
PURogue Angel20/1
PUGoodtoknow14/1
PUViva Steve12/1
PUStraidnahanna40/1
PUSizing Codelco25/1
URAs De Mee

Do Winners Of The Becher Chase Go Onto Win The Grand National?

The quick answer is – yes and no!

In terms of winners from the same season going onto win tthe Grand National, the record isn’t great. Running another Merseyside Marathon four months later is a big ask.

In fact – the last 15 winners of the Becher Chase have failed to win the Grand National that same season. But it is worth pointing out not all 15 tried. However, Becher Chase winners do have a fair record of winning the Grand National later on in their careers. Silver Birch and Amberleigh House two examples if this. Silver Birch won the Becher Chase in 2004 and then went onto land the Grand National in 2007, while Amberleigh House did the double in 2001 and 2004.

This may suggest that a slightly younger horse is more equipped to win the Becher Chase. But when it comes to stepping up to 4m+ for the Grand National, it might take a few years to strengthen up.

Further backed-up with 9 of the last 15 Becher Chase winners going onto finish unplaced in that season’s Grand National.

Look For Horses That Ran Well In The Becher Chase

It doesn’t necessarily have to be the winner. 12 months ago, 2017 Grand National winner – ONE FOR ARTHUR – came fifth in the Becher Chase four months earlier.

The Lucinda Russell-trained 8 year-old was only beaten 3 lengths by Vieux De Lion in the 2016 Becher Chase. However, over the longer Grand National trip, he managed to reverse the form with the Becher Chase winner with Vieux De Lion in 6th.

You can see a full list of where the 2016 Becher Chase runners finished in the 2017 Grand National:

How 2016 Becher Chase Aintree runners placed in the 2017 Grand National

2016 Becher Chase ResultHorseOdds2017 Grand National Result
1stVieux Lion Rouge8/1F6th
2ndHighland Lodge20/1PU
3rdThe Last Samuri9/116th
4thUcello Conti11/1UR
5thOne For Arthur14/1WON the 2017 Grand National
6thPortrait King25/1Didn’t Run
7thBob Ford20/1Didn’t Run
8thBeeves33/1Didn’t Run
9thMidnight Prayer25/1Didn’t Run
10thRogue Angel22/1PU
11thFinancial Climate66/1Didn’t Run
12thViconte Du Noyer10/1Didn’t Run
13thSilvergrove12/1Didn’t Run
FellAlvarado10/1Didn’t Run
FellSaint Are13/13rd
FellThe Young Master10/1Fell
FellSizing Coal16/1Didn’t Run
PUAachen33/1Didn’t Run
URMilborough33/1Didn’t Run
URDare To Endeavour16/1Didn’t Run
URZiga Boy16/1Didn’t Run
URCogry12/1Didn’t Run

Becher Chase Trends to Watch for the 2018 Grand National

2017 WINNER: BLAKLION (7/4 fav), Jockey: Gavin Sheehan, Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies. Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has won the race 6 times since 1993.

81% – Had won between 2-5 times over fences before
75% – Carried 10-12 or less
69% – Aged 9 or older
69% – Officially rated between 123-138
69% – Irish bred winners
75% – Had won over at least 3m (fences) before
75% – Had no more than 1 start that season
69% – Had raced at Aintree before
69% – Had raced within the last 7 weeks
69% – Had run over these Grand National-style fences before
56% – Returned a double-figure price in the betting
44% – Ran in the previous season’s Grand National
44% – Placed favourites
20% – Trained by Paul Nicholls
20% – Irish-trained winners
20% – Won last time out
20% – Trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies
25% – Winning favourites
60% – Went onto finish unplaced in that season’s Grand National
13% – Went onto win the Grand National later in their career
0% – Went onto win the Grand National that same season (2017 winner Blaklion will be the next horse attempting this)

You might also like…

Sending
User Review
5 (1 vote)

GrandNational.org.uk

Our writers constantly update this site to ensure that you’re always fully informed of the latest Grand National news and runners.

Latest News

Shark confirm Aintree attack as Hewick tops Grand National weights

Jump Season Finale Hewick ridden by Rachael Blackmore Emerald green, black seams wins the bet365 Oaksey Chase during the Jump Season Finale meeting at Sandown Park, Esher PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxCHN Copyright: xMarkxChappellx FIL-18458-0024 King George hero Hewick has been given top weight for the Grand National at Aintree as trainer Shark Hanlon admits it is a fair […]

Corach Rambler camp ramping up for Aintree defence

Image via @AtTheRaces on X Corach Rambler featured amongst the 94 entries for the Randox Grand National at Aintree and connections of the reigning champion are anticipating a strong defence in April. There were a record 61 entries from Ireland in the field for the £1 million showpiece but it will be Scotland’s Corach Rambler […]

Famous Bridge hoping to cross Grand National Trial test next

8th June 2019, Haydock Park Racecourse, Merseyside, England; Flat racing; Finoah ridden by Jane Elliott runs on to win The Betway Handicap Trainer Nicky Richards has pinpointed the Virgin Bet Grand National Trial at Haydock as the next target for Famous Bridge en route to a potential Aintree date this spring. Things didn’t go to […]
18+ | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
grandnational.org.uk is an independent professional comparison site supported by referral fees from the sites which are ranked on this site. The sites and information we present are from companies from which grandnational.org.uk receives compensation. This compensation may impact the rankings of the sites. Other factors, including our own opinions, your location, and the likelihood of signing up, may also impact how the ranking of the sites appears to a particular user. grandnational.org.uk cannot and does not present information about every betting/casino site or betting/casino site offer available.