Inthepocket (3-1 favourite) won Poundland Top Novices’ Hurdle the Grade One Air Charter Services Mildmay Novices’ Chase on Ladies Day at the 2023 Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse.
Henry De Bromhead's six-year-old, who had been to Marine Nationale in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at last month's Cheltenham Festival, grabbed a first Grade One victory at Aintree.
The JP McManus-owned gelding, who was a Grade Two winner at Navan earlier in the season, was sent off the 3-1 favourite. And under Rachael Blackmore Inthepocket finally landed a first win at the top level. Blackmore had the six-year-old close to the pace throughout and moved into the lead halfway coming over the second last flight. And Inthepoclet galloped on well to score by a length-and three-quarters from Strong Leader (14-1), who came was back to take the runner-up spot. Luccia (7-1) was a further length back in fourth with Hansard not far behind that pair in fourth.
