The Topham Chase is a Premier Handicap National Hunt handicap chase in England which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Aintree over a distance of about 2 miles and 5 furlongs (2 miles 5 furlongs and 19 yards, or 4,242 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in April.

Topham Chase
Premier Handicap race
LocationAintree Racecourse,
Aintree, Merseyside, England
Inaugurated1949
Race typeSteeplechase
SponsorRandox Health
Websitewww.thejockeyclub.co.uk/aintree/
Race information
Distance2 miles 5 furlongs 19 yards (4,242 metres)
SurfaceTurf
QualificationFive-years-old and up
WeightHandicap
Maximum: 11 st 12 lb
Purse£150,000 (2022)
1st: £84,195
Topham Chase
2024
Emerald green, black epaulets and armlets, hooped cap Emerald green, dark green sleeves, dark green cap, emerald green spots Royal blue, yellow chevrons, royal blue sleeves, yellow stars, royal blue cap, yellow star
Arizona Cardinal James Du Berlais Kandoo Kid
Previous years
2023
Royal blue and yellow check, royal blue sleeves, yellow armlets, royal blue cap Dark blue, white armlets Black, yellow triple diamond, diabolo on sleeves and diamond on cap
Bill Baxter Fantastic Lady Killer Kane
2022
Red, yellow triple diamond, diamonds on sleeves, red cap, yellow diamond Purple, yellow chevron, yellow cap Pink, light green spots, pink sleeves and cap
Mac Tottie Batcio Annamix
2021
Pink, light green spots, pink sleeves and cap Black, red cross belts and armlets, quartered cap Royal blue, white hoops, maroon sleeves and cap
Livelovelaugh Pink Eyed Pedro Senior Citizen
2020-2011
2019
Royal blue, light blue star, white sleeves, royal blue stars, white cap, royal blue star Maroon, white star, armlets and star on cap Maroon, white chevron, white sleeves, maroon stars, white cap, maroon star
Cadmium Sub Lieutenant Doitforthevillage
2018
Black, yellow triple diamond, red sleeves, yellow cap Emerald green, yellow chevron and sleeves, red cap Brown, orange sleeves, quartered cap
Ultragold Shanahan's Turn Theatre Territory
2017
Black, yellow triple diamond, red sleeves, yellow cap White, mauve epaulets and armlets, quartered cap Red, emerald green spots, red sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots
Ultragold Katnap Portrait King
2016
Emerald green, yellow hoops, white cap Dark blue, orange stars, dark blue sleeves and cap Emerald green, yellow spots and armlets, hooped cap
Eastlake Fairy Rath Third Intention
2015
Brown, orange sleeves, quartered cap Dark blue, orange stars, dark blue sleeves and cap Maroon, white star, armlets and star on cap
Rajdhani Express Fairy Rath Rathlin
2014
Emerald green, dark green sleeves, dark green and emerald green quartered cap Red, white sleeves, black stars, white cap Emerald green, yellow hoops, white cap
Ma Filleule Bennys Mist Eastlake
2013
Yellow, light blue hooped sleeves Royal blue, white hoops, maroon sleeves and cap Dark blue and orange diamonds, halved sleeves, quartered cap
Triolo D'Alene Walkon Last Time D'albain
2012
Mauve and purple diabolo, purple sleeves, mauve armlets and diamond on purple cap Mauve, white sash, red cap Red, white cross belts, hooped sleeves and star on cap
Always Waining Chance Du Roy Fistral Beach
2011
Mauve and purple diabolo, purple sleeves, mauve armlets and diamond on purple cap Yellow, purple hoops and armlets, hooped cap Light green, pink spots, light green sleeves, quartered cap
Always Waining Mon Parrain Scotsirish
2010-2001
2010
Mauve and purple diabolo, purple sleeves, mauve armlets and diamond on purple cap Light green, pink spots, light green sleeves, quartered cap Mauve and white diamonds, striped sleeves, white cap
Always Waining Scotsirish Isn't That Lucky
2009
Emerald green, yellow stars, striped sleeves, royal blue and yellow striped cap Royal blue, white seams, red cap Red, black chevron, red and white hooped sleeves, white cap
Irish Raptor Oodachee Cossack Dancer
2008
Black and White (halved), Red sleeves and cap Emerald Green, Yellow stars, striped sleeves, Royal Blue and Yellow striped cap Light Green, Red sash and sleeves, check cap
Gwanako Irish Raptor Bothar Na
2007
Maroon and Beige diabolo, diamonds on sleeves, Maroon cap, Beige diamond Beige and black halved, black chevrons on sleeves, beige cap Chocolate, old gold hooped sleeves, old gold cap
Dunbrody Millar Theatre Knight Latimer's Place
2006
Brown, orange sleeves, quartered cap RED and ROYAL BLUE HOOPS, red sleeves and cap Mauve and pink check, white sleeves, pink cap
Liberthine Hakim Pak Jack
2005
RED, black star and stars on sleeves, red cap, black stars Black, turquoise stripe, hooped sleeves and cap Black and white (halved), red sleeves and cap
Cregg House Haut de Gamme Le Duc
2004
Blue, large white spots, spots on sleeves and cap Royal Blue, Dark Green sleeves and cap Light blue, pink sleeves, check cap
Cassia Heights Longshanks Scotmail Boy
2003
Emerald green and yellow hoops, white cap Emerald green,yellow chevrons, emerald green sleeves, emerald green cap, yellow stars Red, Yellow diamond and sleeves, Yellow cap, Red diamond
Clan Royal Macs Gildoran Exit Swinger
2002
EMERALD GREEN,red cross of lorraine,green slvs,red stars,red cap,green spots Green, red stars, white sleeves and cap with red stars Yellow, Purple Hoops And Armlets, White Cap
Its Time For A Win Monty's Pass Korakor
2001
White, blue diabolo, stars on sleeves and cap Emerald green and yellow quartered, white sleeves and cap Light blue, pink sleeves, check cap
Gower-Slave Goguenard Scotmail Boy
2000-1991
2000
Red, white spots, white sleeves, red cap, white spots Emerald Green and Orange check, Yellow sleeves, Red armlets, Red cap Blue, white epaulets, checked sleeves
Northern Starlight Kings Cherry Fourth In Line
1999
Dark blue and yellow (halved), hooped sleeves, yellow cap ROYAL BLUE and YELLOW CHEVRONS, red cap Mauve and pink check, white sleeves, pink cap
Listen Timmy Linden's Lotto Maitre De Musique
1998
Royal blue, emerald green sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots Pink, emerald green stars and armlets, green cap, pink star Pink and purple (quartered), pink sleeves
Cyfor Malta Ballyline With Impunity
1997
Emerald green, purple cross belts, purple cap Yellow, red chevrons, yellow sleeves, red cap Yellow, black star, hooped sleeves, red cap
Bells Life Yeoman Warrior Kadi
1996
Red, purple and red halved sleeves, purple cap Blue, red epaulets, red sleeves, white chevrons, blue cap, red star Red, yellow epaulets
Joe White Go Universal Mugoni Beach
1995
Green, yellow sleeves, white cap Royal blue, black seams, quartered cap Blue, white star, white stars on sleeves and cap
Dublin Flyer Toureen Prince River Bounty
1994
White, green diabolo on body Yellow, royal blue cross belts, hooped sleeves, striped cap Yellow, purple diamond, striped sleeves and cap
Indian Tonic Kentish Piper Sirrah Jay
1993
Dark blue, yellow star and sleeves, yellow star on cap Black, red sleeves, quartered cap Light blue, dark blue diamond and diamond on cap
Sirrah Jay Southern Minstrel Nos Na Gaoithe
1992
Maroon, beige triple diamond, diabolo on sleeves, hooped cap Yellow, royal blue stripe, armlets and cap Orange, black epaulets, black and orange striped sleeves, black cap, orange star
The Antartex Captain Mor Strong Gold
1991
Grey, yellow star, sleeves and cap Maroon, beige triple diamond, diabolo on sleeves, hooped cap White, royal blue chevrons, white sleeves, royal blue stars, striped cap
J-J-Henry The Antartex Tom Caxton
1990-1988
1990
Brown, orange sleeves, quartered cap Yellow, royal blue stripe, armlets and cap White, red cross-belts and sleeves, black cap
Wont Be Gone Long Villierstown Golden Minstrel
1989
Yellow, royal blue stripe, armlets and cap Flame, white cross-belts Dark green and white (quartered), white sleeves
Villierstown Eton Rouge Red Columbia
1988
owned by John Butler owned by Mrs R Bill Yellow, royal blue stripe, armlets and cap
Wiggburn Pan Arctic Villierstown
 

From 1989 to 2001 the race was named to commemorate the late clerk of the course John Hughes.

In April 2012 the race was won for the third consecutive year by Always Waining, trained by Peter Bowen and ridden by Tom O'Brien.[1]

History

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The inaugural running of the Topham was in 1949. The Topham is now one of three races run over the Grand National fences at the Aintree Festival, the other two races being the Foxhunters' Chase for amateur jockeys and the Grand National itself. The Topham Chase is currently run on the second day of the meeting.

Records

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Most successful horse (3 wins):

  • Always Waining – 2010, 2011, 2012

Leading jockey (3 wins):

  • Richard DunwoodyGlenrue (1986), Won't Be Gone Long (1990), The Antartex (1992)
  • Barry GeraghtyTriolo D'Alene (2013), Ma Filleule (2014), Eastlake (2016)

Leading trainer (5 wins):

  • Nicky Henderson - Won't Be Gone Long (1990), Liberthine (2006), Triolo D'Alene (2013), Ma Filleule (2014), Rajdhani (2015)
  • Peter Bowen - Dunbrody Millar (2007), Always Waining (2010, 2011, 2012), Mac Tottie (2022)

Winners

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Year
Winner
Age
Weight
Jockey
Trainer
1949 Cadamstown 9 11-04 J Brogan J Powell
1950 Culworth 9 10-12 R Curran W (Charlie) Hall
1951 Culworth 10 11-06 R Curran W (Charlie) Hall
1952 Ballymagillan 6 10-09 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper (Ir)
1953 Irish Lizard 10 10-04 Dick Francis Frenchie Nicholson
1954 Little Yid 12 10-11 G Slack Bobby Renton
1955 Stormhead 11 11-12 P Farrell W (Charlie) Hall
1956 John Jacques 9 10-08 J Power Walter Wharton
1957 Roughan 10 11-00 Harry East Neville Crump
1958 Roughan 11 11-02 Fred Winter Neville Crump
1959 Clanyon 11 11-04 Grenville Underwood W Johns-Powell
1960 Fresh Winds 9 11-01 Stan Mellor Roy Whiston
1961 Cupid's Charge 6 11-03 Bill Rees Peter Cazalet
1962 Dagmar Gittell 7 10-11 Josh Gifford Bobby Renton
1963 Barberyn 8 11-09 Michael Scudamore W (Arthur) Stephenson
1964 Red Tide 7 10-06 Jeff King Bob Turnell
1965 Hopkiss 7 10-12 E P Harty Alec Kilpatrick
1966 Walpole 10 11-05 Josh Gifford Ryan Price
1967 Georgetown 7 10-07 P Mahoney Noel Kusbish
1968 Surcharge 10 10-08 S Davenport John Barclay
1969 Dozo 8 10-05 Eddie Harty Toby Balding
1970 Charter Flight 8 11-12 Johnny Haine Bob Turnell
1971 Rigton Prince 10 11-01 John Enright W (Arthur) Stephenson
1972 Sunny Lad 8 10-08 Ken White Fred Rimell
1973 Inch Arran 9 11-02 David Mould Peter Cazalet
1974 Clear Cut 10 11-08 Jonjo O'Neill W (Charlie) Hall[2]
1975 Our Greenwood 7 12-00 Tommy Carberry Jim Dreaper (Ir)
1976 Lictor 9 10-00 David Sunderland Edward Courage
1977 Churchtown Boy 10 10-00 Chris Read Taffy Salaman
1978 Canit 8 10-00 Colin Tinkler Fred Rimell
1979 Artic Ale 8 10-08 John Fowler[a] Dan Moore (Ir)
1980 Uncle Bing 11 11-11 John Francome Richard Head
1981 Mr Marlsbridge 8 10-10 Paul Barton David Gandolfo
1982 Beacon Time 8 10-09 Kevin Mooney Fulke Walwyn
1983 Tiepolino 11 10-04 Hywel Davies Kevin Bishop
1984 Fabulous 11 10-00 Andrew Stringer J S Wilson
1985 Smith's Man 7 10-00 Mark Perrett Jenny Pitman
1986 Glenrue 9 10-02 Richard Dunwoody Terry Casey
1987 Strath Leader 9 11-10 Tom Morgan John Edwards
1988 Wiggburn 9 10-02 Mike Williams Anne Hewitt
1989 Villierstown 10 11-10 Simon Sherwood W (Arthur) Stephenson
1990 Wont Be Gone Long 8 11-07 Richard Dunwoody Nicky Henderson
1991 J-J-Henry 12 10-10 Anthea Farrell[a] Peter Beaumont
1992 The Antartex 9 10-02 Richard Dunwoody Gordon W. Richards
1993 Sirrah Jay 13 10-00 Adrian Maguire Toby Balding
1994 Indian Tonic 8 10-04 Chris Maude Nigel Twiston-Davies
1995 Dublin Flyer 9 12-00 Brendan Powell Snr Tim Forster
1996 Joe White 10 11-00 Paul Carberry Howard Johnson
1997 Bells Life 8 11-04 Glen Tormey Philip Hobbs
1998 Cyfor Malta 5 11-01 Tony McCoy Martin Pipe
1999 Listen Timmy 10 11-08 Tony Dobbin Steve Brookshaw
2000 Northern Starlight 9 11-05 Tony McCoy Martin Pipe
2001 Gower-Slave 9 10-07 Richard Johnson Philip Hobbs
2002 Its Time For A Win 10 10-12 Ruby Walsh Willie Mullins
2003 Clan Royal 8 10-02 Liam Cooper Jonjo O'Neill
2004 Cassia Heights 9 10-00 Jim Culloty Steve Brookshaw
2005 Cregg House 10 10-05 Davy Russell Shane Donohoe
2006 Liberthine 7 10-04 Sam Waley-Cohen[a] Nicky Henderson
2007 Dunbrody Millar 9 10-00 Jamie Moore Peter Bowen
2008 Gwanako 5 11-08 Ruby Walsh Paul Nicholls
2009 Irish Raptor 10 10-00 Paddy Brennan Nigel Twiston-Davies
2010 Always Waining 9 10-00 Brian Hughes Peter Bowen
2011 Always Waining 10 10-04 Tom O'Brien Peter Bowen
2012 Always Waining 11 10-11 Tom O'Brien Peter Bowen
2013 Triolo D'Alene 6 10-07 Barry Geraghty Nicky Henderson
2014 Ma Filleule 6 11-07 Barry Geraghty Nicky Henderson
2015 Rajdhani Express 8 11-08 Sam Waley-Cohen[a] Nicky Henderson
2016 Eastlake 10 10-11 Barry Geraghty Jonjo O'Neill
2017 Ultragold 9 10-05 Harry Cobden Colin Tizzard
2018 Ultragold 10 11-01 Harry Cobden Colin Tizzard
2019 Cadmium 7 11-01 Paul Townend Willie Mullins
no race 2020 [b]
2021 Livelovelaugh 11 11-00 Patrick Mullins[a] Willie Mullins
2022 Mac Tottie 9 10-00 Sean Bowen Peter Bowen
2023 Bill Baxter 7 10-04 Sam Twiston-Davies Warren Greatrex
2024 Arizona Cardinal 8 10-10 Ciaran Gethings Stuart Edmunds
  1. ^ a b c d e amateur jockey
  2. ^ The 2020 running was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "2013 Grand National runners - Always Waining seeks Aintree four-timer". Archived from the original on 2 February 2017.
  2. ^ "Charlie Hall Chase", Wikipedia, 11 March 2022, retrieved 8 April 2022
  3. ^ "Coronavirus: Horse racing in Great Britain suspended until end of April". BBC Sport. 17 March 2020.
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  • Race Recordings (1981-2003) [1]