Day 1 Grand National Meeting Talking Points The Grand National Festival at Aintree kicks off on Thursday afternoon and the entries for day one were headlined by Constitution Hill possibly facing Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead in the Aintree Hurdle. They met in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton when Nicky Henderson's star prevailed, but Constitution Hill arrives here after a fall in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham — where Lossiemouth took the path of least resistance and easily won the Mares' Hurdle. Here are some of the key talking points for day one at Aintree on Thursday. Claim Free Bets with Betfred for the Grand National meeting If you already have a Betfred account, check out more of the best betting sites. Constitution Hill facing mares' tag team? Constitution Hill tumbled to the floor in the Champion Hurdle and, with that, his air of invincibility was shattered. The Seven Barrows superstar hadn't played his cards, of course, but owner Michael Buckley admitted post-race that some complacency had crept into his jumping. Now he could face Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead on Merseyside, two outstanding mares at their best. The former easily won the Mares' Hurdle in the Cotswolds for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend, while Gordon Elliott was deflated after Brighterdaysahead failed to give her true running in the Champion Hurdle, finishing tired. The increased 2m4f trip and the flatter nature of Aintree could be key factors if the Gigginstown House-owned mare is to rebound from Cheltenham defeat by winning here for the second season running. Henderson insists he's planning to have his star turn ready for two big runs in what remains of the spring. "All being well, we're going forward and going to Aintree with every intention of going to Punchestown too," he said. "We're taking each leg at a time. It's a home game followed by an away game, and we're going to play the home game first. He didn't have a race at Cheltenham, so we're trying to do what people want us to do and run him, and we're going to try to run him twice." Gaelic Warrior a surprise Bowl contender Willie Mullins gave Gaelic Warrior a surprise entry for the Aintree Bowl on day one, though he also holds a ticket for the Melling Chase on Friday over a shorter trip. This would be a first start at a distance in excess of three miles for last season's Arkle winner, who missed Cheltenham this season after disappointing at the Dublin Racing Festival in February. Gaelic Warrior was a three mile Grade 1-winning novice over hurdles and could be interesting if taking his chance here. His potential opponents include the Dan Skelton duo Grey Dawning and Protektorat, the former very much saved for this race after skipping the Cheltenham Gold Cup and possibly a key part of the jigsaw as Skelton bids to put the ribbons on his quest for a maiden trainers' championship. Spillane's Tower could have his first start since finishing fifth when sent off favourite in the King George in December as Jimmy Mangan bids to get him back on track, while Aintree specialist Ahoy Senor joins Stage Star and The Real Whacker among the possible contenders in the Grade 1 stayers contest. Also on day one, Henderson's Triumph Hurdle runner-up Lulamba could bid to go one better in the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle, where the opposition could include Irish pair Lady Vega Allen (Mullins) and Hello Neighbour (Gavin Cromwell).
