The Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter: Complete Guide

The Midlands Grand National was first run in 1969. It was created to give Uttoxeter a flagship event — a staying handicap chase that could compete with the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow and the Scottish Grand National at Ayr. The race was run over four miles and two furlongs from the start, and it was designed to be a proper stamina test.

The Early Years

Uttoxeter had been running since 1907, but it lacked a signature race. The course had survived two world wars and been revived by the local council in the 1950s. A new grandstand had opened in 1968. The time was right for a big race. The Midlands Grand National Handicap Steeplechase was born.

The first running attracted a competitive field. The race was a Listed event from the outset — a step below Group level but a cut above ordinary handicaps. Trainers from the Midlands and beyond began to target it. The race quickly established itself as a key date in the calendar.

The 1970s and 1980s

The 1970s saw the race grow in stature. The list of winners began to include horses that would go on to greater things. The ground was often testing — soft or heavy — and the race earned a reputation as a proper trial for the Grand National at Aintree. Trainers who had horses aimed at Liverpool would use the Midlands Grand National as a prep. The form began to work out.

The 1980s cemented that reputation. The race attracted better horses. Prize money increased. Sponsorship came and went. The Midlands Grand National had become one of the most prestigious staying chases in the Midlands.

The 1990s and Lord Gyllene

The defining moment came in 1997. Lord Gyllene won the Midlands Grand National, and a month later he won the Grand National at Aintree. Trained by Steve Brookshaw and ridden by Tony Dobbin, he was the first horse to complete the Midlands Grand National–Grand National double. The race had proved its worth as a trial. Trainers and punters took notice.

The 21st Century

The race has continued to thrive. It remains a Listed handicap, run in March, over four miles and two furlongs. The ground is often testing. The field is competitive. The race is broadcast nationally. It's one of the highlights of the spring jumping programme — and one of the toughest tests in the sport. For more on Uttoxeter's history, see our history guide.

The Midlands Grand National has produced some of the most memorable staying chasers of the modern era. Past winners include horses who went on to win the Grand National at Aintree — proof that the race is a genuine trial for the biggest prize in jumping.

Lord Gyllene (1997)

Lord Gyllene is the most famous winner. He won the Midlands Grand National in March 1997, carrying 10st 5lb, and a month later he won the Grand National at Aintree. Trained by Steve Brookshaw and ridden by Tony Dobbin, he was a genuine stayer who relished the testing conditions. His double — Midlands Grand National and Grand National — put the race on the map as a producer of Aintree winners. He was the first horse to complete the double in the same season, and his victory at Liverpool was one of the most popular of the decade.

Rag Trade (1975)

Rag Trade won the Midlands Grand National in 1975. He went on to win the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow and, the following spring, the Grand National at Aintree — defeating Red Rum. Trained by Fred Rimell and ridden by John Burke, he proved that form at Uttoxeter could translate to the biggest stage. His victory at Aintree was one of the most famous of the 1970s.

Other Notable Winners

Over the years, the Midlands Grand National has been won by numerous classy staying chasers. The race attracts full fields and competitive handicaps. The ground is often testing — soft or heavy — and the distance takes its toll. Horses that win here tend to be genuine stayers who can handle a battle.

The roll of honour includes horses trained by Fred Rimell, David Nicholson, Martin Pipe and others. The race has been a target for both big yards and smaller stables. A well-handicapped stayer with proven form on soft ground can compete with the best.

The Profile of a Winner

Midlands Grand National winners tend to share certain characteristics. They stay four miles and beyond. They handle soft or heavy ground. They've often run well in other staying chases — the Welsh Grand National, the Eider Chase, the Grand National trial at Haydock. They're usually aged seven or older, with plenty of experience over fences. The race finds them out. For more on the course and conditions, see the next section.

The Midlands Grand National is run over Uttoxeter's chase course — a left-handed oval of roughly a mile and two furlongs. The race covers four miles and two furlongs, which means nearly two full circuits. It's a proper marathon.

The Track

The chase course has fair, stiff fences — an open ditch and a water jump among them. They're well maintained and present a proper test without being as demanding as Cheltenham or Aintree. The key characteristic is the distance. Horses need to stay, and stay well. The long straight gives runners plenty of time to sort themselves out before the line, but the cumulative effect of the fences and the ground takes its toll.

Ground Conditions

The ground is often testing. The Midlands Grand National is run in March, when the going is typically soft or heavy. The course can get churned up. Horses who handle deep ground have a significant advantage. The race has been run on heavy ground more often than not over the years. If you're planning a visit, pack your wellies. If you're betting, favour horses that act on soft or heavy.

The Atmosphere

Uttoxeter's stands sit close to the track. You're right on top of the action. The crowd of around 5,000 creates a lively atmosphere. It's the biggest raceday of the year at the course — book early if you're planning to go. For more on the course layout, see our complete guide.

The Midlands Grand National is one of the best betting races of the year. Full fields, competitive handicaps, and a clear profile for the winner. A few angles stand out.

Soft-Ground Form is Essential

The single most important factor. When the ground is heavy — and it usually is — focus on horses with proven form on similar ground. Look for "won on heavy" or "placed on soft" in the form. A horse that's never encountered heavy ground is a gamble. Some adapt, some don't. The form book is your friend. Form from Haydock, Newcastle (when soft), or previous Uttoxeter meetings is gold dust.

Course Form Matters

A horse that has won or placed at Uttoxeter before has proven it can handle the track and the conditions. Previous course form is a significant plus. It's not infallible — horses can improve or regress — but it's a strong pointer. Several Midlands Grand National winners had run well at the course before.

Stamina is Non-Negotiable

The race is a marathon. Four miles and two furlongs. Only genuine stayers need apply. Look for horses that have won or placed over three and a half miles or further. A horse stepping up in trip for the first time is a risk. The track finds out non-stayers. Form in other staying chases — the Welsh Grand National, the Eider Chase, the Grand National trial at Haydock — is relevant.

Weight Trends

The race is a handicap. Top weights have won, but in recent years the winners have tended to carry between 10st and 11st 7lb. The handicapper has a say. A horse that's well-in at the weights, with proven stamina and soft-ground form, is the ideal profile.

Use it as a Trial

The Midlands Grand National is a proper trial for the Grand National at Aintree. Horses that run well at Uttoxeter often go on to Liverpool. If you're building a portfolio for the Grand National, the Midlands Grand National form is essential reading. For more betting angles, see our Uttoxeter betting guide.