Every year as winter tightens its grip, the racing world sets its sights on Liverpool, England, and the grand spectacle of the Becher Chase.
Set against the iconic backdrop of Aintree Racecourse, the Becher Chase offers an electrifying contest for racing enthusiasts and a significant precursor to the world-renowned Grand National.
The Becher Chase and the Grand National share more than just a venue; they are intertwined in a rich tapestry of racing history.
Named after Captain Martin Becher, who took an unfortunate tumble into the now-infamous Becher’s Brook during the inaugural Grand National, the Becher Chase is a challenging steeplechase that mimics many of the rigours of the Grand National.
This annual event is more than just a prelude; it’s a great race that showcases the mettle of horses and riders in preparation for the ultimate steeplechase challenge.
When Is It On?
The 2025 Becher Chase (6th December) at Aintree is shaping up as a competitive handicap.
Chianti Classico has the class to be a major player. His form in strong handicaps marks him down as a future Grand National type, and the Becher looks a natural stepping stone.
Arizona Cardinal arrives as the latest Topham Chase winner at Aintree. He has been on an upward curve over trips up to three miles and should relish the extra stamina test the Becher provides.
King Turgeon is the Grand Sefton winner and a lively dark horse for the Pipe team. Form and progressive profile put him firmly in the conversation.
Cruz Control is already proven around Aintree after landing the Freebooter Chase. He handled the fences with assurance and his neat, accurate jumping could be a real asset.
Gaboriot has been admirably consistent, including a placing in the Grand Sefton. He jumps well, stays soundly.
Chambard and Celebre D’Allen are the veterans of the line-up. Both bring deep experience over the National fences, which can count for plenty once the race starts to stretch those with lighter mileage.
Race trends and talking points
Weight trends: Recent renewals suggest top weights have a mixed record, yet a genuine class act can still defy the burden when conditions fall right.
Age angles: While older stayers have landed this before, this year’s entry looks younger overall. That reflects a shift in how trainers are targeting the Becher, using it for progressive horses who might come back for the National in spring.
Ground factor: Early indicators point to soft ground. That will add to the stamina test and should suit those with a proven record when the mud is flying, while also placing a premium on secure jumping late on.
Early picks and predictions
With stamina at a premium, side with horses who either have placed over a marathon trip or have already handled these fences. Chianti Classico and Arizona Cardinal bring the right blend of class and course form. Cruz Control appeals as an each-way option with upside if he reproduces his Freebooter jumping.
King Turgeon stays on the shortlist. If he can translate his Grand Sefton slickness over the longer Becher trip, he becomes very interesting at the prices.
If conditions deepen on the day, Gaboriot and the battle-hardened Chambard could reward each-way support, particularly if the race turns into a test of grit after the Canal Turn second time.
This year’s Becher Chase promises a compelling mix of up-and-coming stayers, proven Aintree performers, and class horses with bigger spring ambitions. Expect a race that may shape the Grand National picture for 2026.
Aintree Racecourse: The Iconic Home of the Becher Chase
Aintree Racecourse, situated in Liverpool, England, is renowned for its illustrious history and challenging course design, making it one of the world's premier locations for steeplechase racing.
Not only is it the proud host of the Becher Chase, but it's also home to one of the most famous races in the world – the Grand National.
Aintree is a track steeped in history. It has hosted races since 1829, standing as a testament to the enduring popularity of horse racing in the UK.
The Grand National has been run at Aintree since 1839, and the Becher Chase has called Aintree home since its inception in 1992.
A unique feature of Aintree is its Grand National course, known for its challenging fences.
The Becher Chase is run over these famous fences, providing a preview of the spectacle that the Grand National will offer later in the season.
Each of the twenty-one fences that horses must navigate in the Becher Chase demands precision and courage, with iconic obstacles such as Becher's Brook and The Chair proving decisive in many races.
Beyond the course itself, Aintree offers a festive atmosphere that draws in spectators from all walks of life.
Racing days at Aintree are social occasions as much as they are sporting events, with the track offering various hospitality options and entertainment for attendees.
Historic Horses
Not every horse can handle the taxing distance and demanding fences of Aintree, but a select few have proved their mettle in both the Becher Chase and Grand National.
Among the greats, one name stands tall: Amberleigh House. Trained by the celebrated Ginger McCain, who also trained four-time Grand National winner Red Rum, Amberleigh House showed his talent in 2001 when he won the Becher Chase.
But his crowning glory came in 2004, when he returned to Aintree and triumphed in the Grand National, showing a turn of foot at the end that left the spectators in awe.
Another horse to mention is Silver Birch, who was victorious in the Becher Chase in 2004. Showing remarkable consistency and endurance, Silver Birch returned to Aintree to win the Grand National in 2007 under trainer Gordon Elliott.
Earth Summit is yet another who etched his name into Aintree folklore by winning both races in the same season.
After winning the Becher Chase in 1998, he returned to Aintree a few months later to win the Grand National, proving he was a true master of the challenging course.
But there's one horse who has outshone them all – Vieux Lion Rouge. From trainer David Pipe, the 2016 & 2020 Becher Chase winner ran in six consecutive Becher Chases from his first in 2016 all the way through to 2021.
In between, he also managed to run in FIVE Grand Nationals and is easily one of the most experienced horses around the course in recent times.
2024 Becher Chase
The 2024 Becher Chase at Aintree was abandoned due to adverse weather conditions and did not take place as scheduled. Storm Darragh led to the cancellation of the entire Becher Chase card, making it a rare non-runner in the modern era.
2023 Becher Chase
Chambard won the 2023 Becher Chase at Aintree, giving jockey Lucy Turner a historic first win in the race for a female jockey. Chambard, sent off at 18/1, stayed on strongly to defeat Coko Beach (6/1) by a commanding margin in heavy ground, with Percussion finishing third.
Winner: Chambard (18/1), ridden by Lucy Turner for trainer Venetia Williams, made history with a clear victory and strong finishing burst after leading from the 17th fence.
Second: Coko Beach (6/1), prominent throughout and kept on gamely, but could not match Chambard’s finish.
Third: Percussion (6/1), pressed leaders throughout, briefly led, but had to settle for third after being headed late.
Full Result (Top 5)
1st — Chambard — Lucy Turner (18/1)
2nd — Coko Beach (6/1)
3rd — Percussion (6/1)
4th — Celebre d'Allen (7/1)
5th — Lounge Lizard (11/1)
Heavy ground and race attrition played a major role, with several favourites struggling and non-runners due to unsuitable conditions. Chambard’s win was praised for bold, front-running tactics and proved him a durable stayer over the iconic Aintree fences.
2022 Becher Chase: Ashtown Lad's Resounding Victory
Ashtown Lad (5-1) continued the stunning winning streak of the Skelton stable.
The eight-year-old, trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by his brother Harry, took the feature race in resounding style, hinting at a future tilt at the Randox Grand National.
Ashtown Lad's victory followed recent successes by the Skelton stable, including Protektorat's Grade One Betfair Chase triumph at Haydock Park and Le Milos' victory in the Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase.
It marked Skelton's first success over the major Aintree obstacles, extending an incredible winning run.
Despite concerns over his stamina, given his fifth-place finish in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr, Ashtown Lad showed his mettle at Aintree.
The race unfolded with Harry Skelton keeping Ashtown Lad well-placed just off the pace set by Dr Kananga, then Cloth Cap.
As Dr Kananga faded, Ashtown Lad made his move, keeping Gesskille, a horse who had also run well in last month's Grand Sefton Chase, at bay.
Ashtown Lad crossed the finish line two-and-a-quarter-lengths ahead of the 4-1 favourite. Percussion (10-1) finished third, Fortescue (33-1) and Five Star Getaway took fourth and fifth, and Cloth Cap in sixth.
After the race, Dan Skelton lauded his horse's performance, appreciating how Ashtown Lad tackled the jumps.
Despite some reservations about the longer distance, he hinted at the Grand National as a potential next step for the horse.
