William Hill Aintree Hurdle |
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| Grade 1, Aintree 15:30 £250,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 4f, Class 1  |
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1 Impaire Et Passe Evs
2 Bob Olinger 9/4
3 Langer Dan
18/1
8 ran Distances: nse, shd, 7½l
Time: 5m 18.37s (slow by 33.37s)
That is a SENSATIONAL finish 🤯
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) April 11, 2024
A photo will settle the @WillHillRacing Aintree Hurdle 📸 pic.twitter.com/SdnNVnmhrG
In a thrilling edition of the race, a captivating three-way photo finish was required to determine the result. The race featured the even-money favorite, Impaire Et Passe, who ultimately clinched victory. As the runners charged down the home straight, Marie’s Rock briefly surged for glory, only to be shadowed closely by the strong-traveling Impaire Et Passe and Bob Olinger.
Langer Dan, a tenacious handicapper stepping up to Grade 1 company for the first time, muscled his way between the leading pair. The intensity escalated, leading to a rough finish that prompted an official inquiry. Langer Dan and Impaire Et Passe surged ahead, leaving Bob Olinger trailing by a couple of lengths. Jockey Paul Townend deftly wielded his whip, edging Impaire Et Passe to the left, momentarily squeezing Langer Dan against the rail.
Despite the pressure, the resilient Coral Cup winner, Langer Dan, continued to rally. Meanwhile, Bob Olinger, known for his ungainly head carriage, found his stride after the final hurdle and joined the leading duo. As they hurtled toward the finish line, the slow-motion replay revealed a tense battle. Bob Olinger seemed to have his nose in front both before and after the line, but the decisive moment occurred right at the finish: Impaire Et Passe, head down and determined, claimed victory.
The margins were razor-thin—a mere nose and a short head separated the three contenders. Bob Olinger secured second place, while Langer Dan settled for third. The stewards deliberated extensively, ultimately confirming the unaltered finishing positions, much to the surprise of some onlookers.
William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1)
£250,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 4f, Class 1
8 ran
Going: Soft, Heavy in places
POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 Impaire Et Passe 6 11-10 W P Mullins Paul Townend Evs
2 nse Bob Olinger 9 11-10 Henry De Bromhead Rachael Blackmore 9/4
3 shd Langer Dan 8 11-10 Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 18/1
4 7½ Luccia 6 11-3 Nicky Henderson James Bowen 15/2
5 2 Marie's Rock 9 11-3 Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville 20/1
6 3¾ Beacon Edge 10 11-10 Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy 33/1
7 27 Nemean Lion 7 11-10 Kerry Lee Richard Patrick 14/1
8 29 Mahons Glory 8 11-10 Patrick Neville Sam Twiston-Davies 100/1
