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2027 Mersey Novices' Hurdle Preview
Scheduled to take place in April of each year at the Aintree racecourse is the Mersey Novices Hurdle, a Grade 1 hurdle that takes place during the Grand National meeting.
The race is open to runners aged four or older who came into the season without a win over hurdles. The race is run over a trip of two miles and four furlongs, where the runners will face eleven hurdles.
Mersey Novices' Hurdle Information:
- Mersey Novices' Hurdle Past Winners
- Mersey Novices' Hurdle Trainer Statistics
- Mersey Novices' Hurdle Jockey Statistics
If you are interested in other predictions at Aintree, then head over to the Aintree tips page to see which runners are being supported by the OLBG racing tipsters and also compare those predictions to the runners that make the trend shortlist when added below. We cover every race at the Aintree Grand National Meeting, and below you can find links to all of the races for each of Thursday, Friday & Saturday.
Best Horse Racing Betting Sites 2026
How competitive is the Mersey Novices' Hurdle market? When looking at the over-rounds for the last 20 renewals, the most competitive market was in 2013, when the race had an over-round of 114%. The race in 2012 was a race that was most in the bookie's favour with an over-round of 124%, whilst on average over the last 20 renewals of the Mersey Novices' Hurdle, the over-round has been 118%, which means the bookie expects to pay out ÂŁ100 for every ÂŁ118 which is bet.
Below you will find the 2027 Mersey Novices' Hurdle Trends. See which patterns have occurred over the recent renewals that you may be able to use for the next renewal. We also have a section that looks at the Mersey Novices' Hurdle Trend Analysis.
These are the top three quickest-run Mersey Novices' Hurdle races over the last 20 renewals:
- Nichols Canyon (4:45.80) in 2015
- Irish Point (4:50.05) in 2023
- Reserve Tank (4:50.30) in 2019
Looking at the future form, is the winner worth following next time out? Over the past 20 renewals, if you had followed the winner of the Mersey Novices' Hurdle next time out, then you would have backed a total of 9 winners. Backing all 18 runners who have been out since their win at SP next time out would have returned an LSP of +4.31. Remember to use the racing predictions along with the information on this page to find a bet on the 2027 Mersey Novices' Hurdle.
When looking over the past 20 renewals, a time of 4:45.80 was set by Nichols Canyon in 2015, trained by W P Mullins and ridden by R Walsh, which is the quickest time over that period. The slowest winning time was set in 2016 when Yorkhill won in a time of 5:10.10 for trainer W P Mullins, who booked Paul Townend in the saddle.
What the expert says...
Andy Powell - Horse Racing Betting Expert - OLBG.com
Mersey Novices' Hurdle Past Winners
Here are the Mersey Novices' Hurdle past winners for the last 10 renewals. Each row details the race year, the winning horse, and the horse's age & weight. The horse's trainer and the jockey at the time of winning the Mersey Novices' Hurdle are also displayed, along with the starting price at which the horse was sent off.
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 4:56.78 | Bossman Jack (GB) 6yo 11-7 11/4F | Harry Skelton Dan Skelton (GB) |
| 2025 4:55.83 | Honesty Policy (IRE) 5yo 11-7 5/1 | Mark Walsh Gordon Elliott (IRE) |
| 2024 5:04.76 | Brighterdaysahead (FR) 5yo 11-0 6/5F | Jack Kennedy Gordon Elliott (IRE) |
| 2023 4:50.05 | Irish Point (FR) 5yo 11-7 5/1 | Davy Russell Gordon Elliott (IRE) |
| 2022 4:55.21 | Three Stripe Life (IRE) 6yo 11-4 5/2F | Davy Russell Gordon Elliott (IRE) |
| 2021 4:55.36 | My Drogo (GB) 6yo 11-4 5/4F | Harry Skelton Dan Skelton (GB) |
| 2019 4:50.30 | Reserve Tank (IRE) 5yo 11-4 20/1 | Robbie Power Colin Tizzard (GB) |
| 2018 5:04.70 | Black Op (IRE) 7yo 11-4 3/1 | Noel Fehily Tom George (GB) |
| 2017 4:51.40 | Finians Oscar (IRE) 5yo 11-4 3/1F | Robbie Power Colin Tizzard (GB) |
| 2016 5:10.10 | Yorkhill (IRE) 6yo 11-4 30/100F | Paul Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
Where have the winning runners come from?
Here are the countries where the winning trainers of the Mersey Novices' Hurdle have been based:
- GB: 14 winners with an additional 35 placings from 177 runners
- IRE: 6 winners with an additional 5 placings from 35 runners
- FR: 0 winners with an additional 0 placings from 1 runner
2026 Mersey Novices' Hurdle Replay
Mersey Novices' Hurdle Trainer Statistics
The leading trainer in the Mersey Novices' Hurdle over the last 20 renewals is Gordon Elliott, who has won the race four times, with those four winners coming from Three Stripe Life (2022), Irish Point (2023), Brighterdaysahead (2024) and Honesty Policy (2025). Other trainers who have recorded multiple wins in the Mersey Novices' Hurdle are Paul Nicholls (3 wins), Nicky Henderson (2 wins), W P Mullins (2 wins) and Dan Skelton (2 wins). Two trainers have not had the best of times over the last 20 renewals in the Mersey Novices' Hurdle. Alan King has sent a total of 14 runners to the race without recording any wins, whilst Nigel Twiston-Davies has sent out 10 without a winner.
Here are some of the top Mersey Novices' Hurdle trainer statistics over the last 20 renewals (R = Runners, W = Winners, P = Places including winners, Win LSP is based on 1pt Win and EW LSP is based on 0.5pt Win & 0.5pt Place):
| Trainer | R-W-P | Win | EW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gordon Elliott | 8-4-6 | +9.70 | +7.49 |
| Paul Nicholls | 15-3-8 | -0.50 | +0.45 |
| Nicky Henderson | 15-2-5 | -9.56 | -8.72 |
| W P Mullins | 9-2-3 | -3.70 | -3.31 |
| Dan Skelton | 8-2-7 | -2.00 | +4.15 |
| Donald McCain | 8-1-4 | -5.75 | -2.45 |
| Gary Moore | 4-1-1 | +19.00 | +10.20 |
| Emma Lavelle | 2-1-1 | +15.00 | +7.00 |
| Tom George | 2-1-1 | +2.00 | +0.80 |
| Alan King | 14-0-4 | -14.00 | -10.53 |
Mersey Novices' Hurdle Jockey Statistics
The leading jockey in the Mersey Novices' Hurdle over the last 20 renewals is Harry Skelton, who has won the race twice, with those two winners coming from My Drogo (2021) and Bossman Jack (2026).
Here are some of the top Mersey Novices' Hurdle jockey statistics over the last 20 renewals (R = Runners, W = Winners, P = Places including winners, Win LSP is based on 1pt Win and EW LSP is based on 0.5pt Win & 0.5pt Place):
| Jockey | R-W-P | Win | EW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Skelton | 7-2-6 | -1.00 | +3.90 |
| Paul Townend | 6-1-1 | -4.70 | -4.81 |
| Jack Kennedy | 2-1-2 | +0.20 | +0.49 |
| Mark Walsh | 1-1-1 | +5.00 | +3.00 |
| Sam Twiston-Davies | 7-0-4 | -7.00 | +0.50 |
| Sean Bowen | 6-0-2 | -6.00 | +1.60 |
| Brian Hughes | 6-0-1 | -6.00 | -4.30 |
| Nico de Boinville | 6-0-1 | -6.00 | -5.23 |
| Harry Cobden | 5-0-2 | -5.00 | -2.80 |
| Gavin Sheehan | 5-0-0 | -5.00 | -5.00 |
2027 Mersey Novices' Hurdle Trends
Favourites finishing positions (oldest to latest): (1, 2), 5, 3, 5, 1, 2, 1, 6, 1, 1, 1, 1, 6, 3, 1, 1, 3, 1, 7, (1, 3)
The percentage shown is the proportion of runners who fell under that factor. High percentages are less appealing than lower ones, as you would expect them to do well.
- 20 / 20 (65%) - No bigger than 22/1
- 20 / 20 (71%) - Achieved an RPR of 128+ (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (76%) - Within the first 8 of the market
- 20 / 20 (76%) - Off a break of 20 - 54 days
- 20 / 20 (85%) - Highest Run is not G3/LST/Cl2/Cl6
- 20 / 20 (85%) - Ran in 3 - 8 races (1 Year)
- 20 / 20 (86%) - Achieved a TS of 93+ (Last 3)
- 20 / 20 (86%) - Beaten no more -13l (Debut)
- 19 / 20 (65%) - Beaten no more -5l (LTO)
- 19 / 20 (75%) - No bigger than 11/1 (Career Win)
- 19 / 20 (82%) - Break of 20 - 157 days (Last Win)
- 19 / 20 (86%) - Placed within last 2 starts
- 19 / 20 (87%) - No bigger than 11/1 (Last Win)
- 19 / 20 (88%) - Furthest Won 2m - 2m5½f
- 19 / 20 (88%) - Not fallen (Career)
Remember to use the trends listed above, along with the Aintree racing predictions, to see if you can find the winner of the Mersey Novices' Hurdle. Did you know that we have an OLBG Betting School section on OLBG? It is a place to help you improve your betting experience with articles covering numerous topics.
Are you already a member? If not, then why not? With over ÂŁ6,000 given away each month in the tipster competition, why not get involved? Remember, it is completely FREE! So, head over to the registration page to sign up today! If you are already a member, then share your thoughts on the Mersey Novices' Hurdle by adding a tip on the race here.
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Mersey Novices' Hurdle Trend Analysis
â The trend factor, which has produced 10+ winners and shows the best LSP, an LSP of +49.49, is when runners ran over 2m5f last time out.
â The worst performing factor that has failed to produce a single winner is when runners had a furthest trip run of 2m4½f, when backing these, the trend shows a record of 0-33.
The course which has produced the most winners of the Mersey Novices' Hurdle is Cheltenham; there have been a total of 13 winners of this race who ran at Cheltenham last time out.
The race is open to both sexes, with male runners having produced a total of 19 winners from a total of 201 runners, while female runners have produced 1 winner from a total of 12 runners.
Looking over the past renewals, these are the stallions whose offspring have produced multiple winners of the Mersey Novices' Hurdle:
- Kapgarde (2 Wins)
- Oscar (2 Wins)
These are the stallions whose offspring have not produced a winner of the Mersey Novices' Hurdle despite multiple attempts:
- Fame And Glory (0 Wins from 5 runners)
- Kayf Tara (0 Wins from 5 runners)
- Kings Theatre (0 Wins from 5 runners)
- Westerner (0 Wins from 5 runners)
Looking at the winning odds over the last 20 renewals, the biggest-priced winner was Ubak in 2013, winning for Gary Moore at odds of 22/1 under the guidance of Jamie Moore. Looking at the runners at the head of the market over the last 20 renewals, there have been 11 winning favourites in the race. Ahead of the 2027 Mersey Novices' Hurdle, why not head over to the best racing tipster page to see what the tipsters are backing today?
Route to the Mersey Novices' Hurdle
Many trainers target races as preparation for the Mersey Novices' Hurdle. These are the races which the recent winners ran in before coming here:
| Info | Last Race |
|---|---|
| 2026 - Bossman Jack Cheltenham - 6th of 21 (18/1) | Turners Novices' Hurdle |
| 2025 - Honesty Policy Leopardstown - 1st of 5 (4/9) | Connollys RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Novice Hurdle |
| 2024 - Brighterdaysahead Cheltenham - 2nd of 8 (5/6) | Mares Novices' Hurdle |
| 2023 - Irish Point Naas - 1st of 6 (1/4) | Bar One Racing "Guaranteed Overnight Prices" Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle |
| 2022 - Three Stripe Life Cheltenham - 2nd of 9 (8/1) | Turners Novices' Hurdle |
| 2021 - My Drogo Kelso - 1st of 7 (2/1) | Premier Kelso Hurdle |
| 2019 - Reserve Tank Kempton - 1st of 4 (11/4) | Matchbook Betting Podcast Novices Hurdle |
| 2018 - Black Op Cheltenham - 2nd of 14 (8/1) | Turners Novices' Hurdle |
| 2017 - Finians Oscar Exeter - 1st of 5 (1/16) | Free Bet At 188Bet Novices Hurdle |
| 2016 - Yorkhill Cheltenham - 1st of 11 (3/1) | Turners Novices' Hurdle |
Schedule for Thursday at the Aintree Grand National Meeting
The three-day Grand National meeting kicks off on Thursday with four Grade 1 events on the seven-race card, which features both the Aintree Hurdle and the Bowl Chase.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:45 Aintree Anniversary 4YO Juvenile Hurdle | Mange Tout (FR) 4yo - 5/1 | Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy |
| 14:20 Aintree Manifesto Novices Chase | Koktail Divin (FR) 6yo - 3/1 | Henry De Bromhead Darragh O'Keeffe |
| 14:55 Aintree Bowl Chase | Jango Baie (FR) 7yo - 1/1 | Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville |
| 15:30 Aintree Foxhunters Chase | Barton Snow (IRE) 9yo - 7/4 | J J O'Shea Mr Henry Crow |
| 16:05 Aintree Aintree Hurdle | Brighterdaysahead (FR) 7yo - 13/8 | Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy |
| 16:40 Aintree Red Rum Handicap Chase | Ryans Rocket (IRE) 8yo - 14/1 | Fergal O'Brien Jonathan Burke |
| 17:15 Aintree Nickel Coin Mares Bumper | Nans Choice (IRE) 5yo - 9/2 | Dan Skelton Harry Skelton |
Schedule for Friday at the Aintree Grand National Meeting
Day 2 of the Grand National meeting is Ladies Day or Fabulous Friday, the highlights on the track being the Melling Chase, plus there is the Topham Chase over the Grand National fences.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:45 Aintree National Meeting 2m4f Handicap Hurdle | Wellington Arch (GB) 7yo - 6/1 | Jonjo & A J O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill Jr |
| 14:20 Aintree Mildmay Novices Chase | Gold Dancer (FR) 7yo - 100/30 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 14:55 Aintree Top Novices Hurdle | Storming George (IRE) 6yo - 16/1 | Neil King Jack Quinlan |
| 15:30 Aintree Melling Chase | Grey Dawning (IRE) 9yo - 5/1 | Dan Skelton Harry Skelton |
| 16:05 Aintree Topham Chase | Will The Wise (IRE) 7yo - 9/1 | Gavin Cromwell Conor Stone-Walsh |
| 16:40 Aintree Sefton Novices Hurdle | Zeus Power (GER) 5yo - 3/1 | Joseph Patrick O'Brien J J Slevin |
| 17:15 Aintree National Meeting 2m Handicap Hurdle | Laafi (FR) 6yo - 20/1 | William Durkan Patrick M O'Brien |
Schedule for Saturday at the Aintree Grand National Meeting
The Grand National is obviously the showpiece of the Aintree meeting, and day 3 also includes three Grade 1 events, the feature of those being the Liverpool Hurdle.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 12:45 Aintree Maghull Novices Chase | Mirabad (FR) 7yo - 50/1 | Dan Skelton Tristan Durrell |
| 13:20 Aintree National Meeting 3m Handicap Hurdle | Wade Out (IRE) 7yo - 18/1 | Olly Murphy Gavin Sheehan |
| 13:55 Aintree Mersey Novices Hurdle | Bossman Jack (GB) 6yo - 11/4 | Dan Skelton Harry Skelton |
| 14:30 Aintree Freebooter Handicap Chase | Mr Hope Street (IRE) 8yo - 4/1 | Dan Skelton Harry Skelton |
| 15:05 Aintree Liverpool Hurdle | Home By The Lee (IRE) 11yo - 5/1 | Joseph Patrick O'Brien J J Slevin |
| 16:00 Aintree Grand National | I Am Maximus (FR) 10yo - 9/2 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 17:00 Aintree Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race | Forthfactor (IRE) 5yo - 10/1 | Dan Skelton Miss Heidi Palin |
Article Contributor Information
We are fortunate to have an excellent team of specialists and experts at OLBG. Contributing to the creation and maintenance of this Mersey Novices' Hurdle Preview are Andy and Darren. They both work on the Horse Racing Tips team, overseeing the tipsters and managing the tip settlement, while also creating and managing all the horse racing event previews for National Hunt Racing.
Darren Brett
Expert Guide
Andy Powell
Expert Guide
Other Principal Races at the Aintree Racecourse
Here are some other notable races at the Aintree racecourse throughout the racing season that you may be interested in.
