Aintree Ladies Day 2026: Friday Race Preview, Tips & What to Expect

Friday's Feature Races

The Melling Chase (Grade 1, 2m 4f, 3:25pm)

The flagship race of Ladies Day and arguably the best race of the entire festival outside the Grand National itself. The Melling Chase is run at a strong gallop over 2 miles and 4 furlongs on the Mildmay Course. It rewards horses with pace, accurate jumping, and the ability to sustain their effort on Aintree's long run-in.

Previous winners include Energumene (2023), El Fabiolo (2024), and a roll call of future and former Cheltenham Gold Cup heroes. The race often features horses stepping up or down in trip after the Cheltenham Festival.

Key runners to watch:

• El Fabiolo — Willie Mullins' two-mile specialist who won this race last year. If he steps back up to 2m4f he is the clear class horse in the field.
• Energumene — The 2023 winner for Mullins. Now 12 years old but still capable at the top level if the ground is good.
• Shishkin — Nicky Henderson's former Arkle and Champion Chase winner. If he makes the trip to Aintree, he remains a Grade 1 horse on his day.

The Topham Chase (Handicap, 2m 5f over Grand National fences, 2:50pm)

This is the race that Grand National punters watch most closely on Friday. Run over the actual Grand National fences — Becher's Brook, the Canal Turn, Valentine's — it is the best live trial for Saturday. However, it is run over a shorter distance (about half the National's 4m2f), so it suits faster, more nimble jumpers.

Why it matters for Saturday: Horses who jump efficiently and travel well through the Topham tend to handle the National fences. Watch for how horses approach Becher's (the most demanding fence on the course) and whether they jump left-handed at the Canal Turn without losing ground.

Key runners to watch:

• Any horse entered in both the Topham and the Grand National — watch closely how they handle the fences
• Previous Topham winners have an excellent record when subsequently running in the Grand National
• Horses drawn low tend to get the better position approaching the first fence

Sefton Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1, 3m, 1:45pm)

The opening race of Ladies Day and a three-mile Grade 1 for novice hurdlers. This race identifies the stayers of the future — horses who will compete in the Stayers' Hurdle and World Hurdle at Cheltenham next season.

Key runners to watch:

• Willie Mullins entries dominate the market. Look for his Cheltenham runners who have been saved for this rather than Punchestown.
• Any horse who ran well in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham (the 3-mile novice hurdle) is worth noting. The form of that race transfers directly to the Sefton.

Ladies Day Tips & Selections

Sefton Novices' Hurdle (1:45pm) — Willie Mullins Entry (Market Leader)

The market will decide which Mullins entry to back once declarations are confirmed. His team dominates the staying novice hurdle division and at least two of his entries should line up. Follow the market — whichever one shortens from Thursday morning is likely to be the stable's first string.

At a price: Any Albert Bartlett runner who has freshened up since Cheltenham at 10/1 or bigger is worth an each-way ticket. The Cheltenham form translates well to Aintree's flat track.

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The Topham Chase (2:50pm) — Watch, Don't Bet

Controversial advice, but here it is: use the Topham as research for Saturday rather than a betting race. Watch how each horse handles Becher's Brook and the Canal Turn. Take notes. Then use that information to refine your Grand National selections.

If you must have a bet, look for horses carrying 10st 7lb or less with proven form over National fences. The Topham rewards light-weighted, efficient jumpers.

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The Melling Chase (3:25pm) — El Fabiolo (Win Only, 11/8)

If El Fabiolo runs, he is the best horse in the race by a clear margin. His Champion Chase form at Cheltenham puts him a length or two ahead of anything else likely to line up. At 11/8 the value is thin, but in a small-field Grade 1 on a flat track, the best horse wins more often than not.

Win only — no each-way in a race where the favourite should be hard to beat. If you want value, look at the handicap races lower on the card where bigger fields create opportunities.

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Responsible betting reminder: Friday is a long day of racing and socialising. Set a budget before the first race and stick to it. Small stakes across multiple races is more enjoyable — and more sustainable — than one large bet early in the afternoon. For Grand National bookmaker offers, check our offers page.

The Day Beyond the Racing

Ladies Day at Aintree is the biggest social event on the north-west racing calendar. Expect 50,000+ racegoers, with the majority dressed for the occasion regardless of enclosure.

The Style Award

The Randox Style Award is the headline non-racing event of the day. Judged by a panel that typically includes fashion editors and previous winners, the competition is open to all racegoers — you do not need a specific ticket or enclosure.

Previous winners have used the event as a springboard into fashion media and modelling. The judging takes place during the afternoon racing, with the winner announced before the last race.

Dress Code by Enclosure

• Princess Royal Stand — Formal. Men require a jacket and tie. Women typically wear occasion dresses, fascinators, and heels. No fancy dress.
• Lord Sefton/Tattersalls — Smart. Collared shirts for men, smart dresses or tailored separates for women. No sportswear.
• Festival Zone — Relaxed. Smart casual. This is the most accessible enclosure for first-time visitors.

Food and Drink

Ladies Day prices reflect the occasion. Expect to pay £6–8 for a pint, £8–12 for a glass of champagne, and £12–18 for hot food. Pre-booking a private box or hospitality table is the most cost-effective option for groups.

There are cash bars and card-only bars across the site. Queue times peak between 2:00pm and 3:30pm.

For the complete visitor guide, see our Aintree Ladies Day out guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does racing start on Ladies Day?

The first race (Sefton Novices' Hurdle) is at 1:45pm. The last race is at 5:15pm. Gates open at 10:30am. For the full three-day timetable, see our schedule guide.

Is Ladies Day on TV?

Yes. ITV Racing provides full live coverage on ITV1 from 1:00pm. ITVX offers free live streaming with registration. BBC Radio 5 Live provides commentary.

Do I need a special ticket for Ladies Day?

No separate Ladies Day ticket exists — you book a Friday ticket for the enclosure you want. Prices start from around £35 for Tattersalls. The Princess Royal Stand and hospitality packages sell out months in advance.

Can men go to Ladies Day?

Absolutely. Ladies Day is not women-only. The name reflects the social tradition and the Style Award, but the raceday is open to all. Roughly 40% of the Friday crowd is male.

What is the best Ladies Day bet?

The Topham Chase (2:50pm) is the punters' race of the day — a competitive handicap over Grand National fences with a big field. For our full selections, see the tips section above. For Saturday's Grand National, see our dedicated tips guide.

How do I get to Aintree?

Aintree station is a 5-minute walk from the course (Merseyrail Ormskirk line from Liverpool Central). By car, the postcode is L9 5AS — follow event signage from the M57/M58. Expect traffic delays of 30–60 minutes on Ladies Day. For full travel info, see our Aintree day out guide.