THE Grand National was the centrepiece of Aintree’s meeting but there was no shortage of other good racing competing for interest. Indeed, with 11 Grade 1 races across the three days, the Merseyside venue has only two fewer top-grade events than the day-longer Cheltenham Festival.

Thursday’s card saw wins for Flying Angel in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase (timefigure of 149), Defi Du Seuil in the Anniversary 4YO Hurdle (a steadily-run affair, resulting in a slightly underwhelming timefigure of 139), Tea For Two in the Bowl Chase (166) and Buveur D’Air in the Aintree Hurdle (168).