Originally Posted by tony321:
“Distinct lack of jump racing on ITV, Cheltenham trials day in January and the Grand National Trial day at Haydock would have fitted in. As it is there is nothing on there before the festival since the opening show”
As well as the Ascot Chase - a Grade 1 race - at Ascot, plus the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on the same day. One must remember the the Six Nations Rugby will be on in February and March, though the Ascot/Haydock/Wincanton cards usually take place on the third Saturday in February, which is a non-6N weekend.
One other thing; to call the race title "Grand National Trial" would have been relevant at Haydock 10 years ago, but not today, after they b*st*rdized the jumps course there!