The Melling Chase was introduced to the Aintree schedule in 1991 and features some iconic names. It is a prestigious Grade 1 race run over a distance of approximately 2 miles and 4 furlongs on Aintree’s Mildmay course, requiring runners to jump 16 fences.
It often serves as the ultimate rematch for top horses stepping up from Cheltenham’s Queen Mother Champion Chase or coming out of the Ryanair Chase. The Melling Chase takes place annually in early April during the world-famous Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool.
It is the signature feature race of Day 2, traditionally known as Ladies Day. The Melling Chase 2026 will be run on Friday, 10th April 2026. From Melling Chase runners to racecards and even tips, our quick guide provides all the information you need.
What Is the Melling Chase?
As we mentioned before, the Melling Chase is a top-tier Grade 1 steeple-chase held at Aintree over a distance of 2 miles and 4 furlongs. Open to horses aged five and older, the runners carry 11 stone, while mares benefit from a 7lb weight allowance.
What makes it special is its timing, just three weeks after the Cheltenham Festival. It acts as the ultimate middle-distance battleground, where two-mile speedsters step up in trip to take on tougher stayers from the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Ryanair Chase.
Since it began in 1991, its massive prestige and prize money have attracted the sport’s greatest champions. While the Grand National itself is a marathon test of endurance, the Melling Chase celebrates pure pace, precision jumping, and tactical brilliance.
Melling Chase Date & Race Details
| Date | Friday, 10th April, 2026 |
| Race time | 3:30 PM (UK time) |
| Location | Aintree Racecourse |
| Prize money | £250,000 |
| Status | Grade 1 |
| Age | 5YO+ |
| Race type | Chase |
| Distance | 2m 4f |
Melling Chase Runners 2026
Some exceptional talents will headline the field. Let’s look at the runners for the Melling Chase 2026.
| Horse | Career Form In Chase Races |
| Gidleigh Park | 5 runs, 1 win |
| Grey Dawning | 13 runs, 5 wins |
| Heart Wood | 14 runs, 5 wins |
| Impaire Et Passe | 7 runs, 4 wins |
| Jonbon | 22 runs, 15 wins |
| JPR One | 15 runs, 4 wins |
| L’eau Du Sud | 9 runs, 5 wins |
| Libberty Hunter | 12 runs, 3 wins |
| Matata | 17 runs, 4 wins |
| Protektorat | 26 runs, 9 wins |
| Saint Segal | 23 runs, 6 wins |
| Solness | 21 runs, 7 wins |
Melling Chase Racecard
One of the most tactical and high-speed jumps races of the Grand National Festival, the Melling Chase racecards feature a stellar lineup of elite chasers. Let’s take a look at them.
| Horse | Age / Weight | Official Rating | Jockey / Tainer | Odds |
| Gidleigh Park | 8 / 11-10 | 156 | J: Brian Carver
T: H Fry |
SP |
| Grey Dawning | 9 / 11-10 | 165 | J: Harry Skelton
T: T: D Skelton |
SP |
| Heart Wood | 8 / 11-10 | 167 | T: H De Bromhead | SP |
| Impaire Et Passe | 8 / 11-10 | 167 | T: W P Mullins | SP |
| Jonbon | 10 / 11-10 | 165 | T: N J Henderson | SP |
| JPR One | 9 / 11-10 | 160 | J: Brendon Powell
T: J Tizzard |
SP |
| L’eau Du Sud | 8 / 11-10 | 163 | T: D Skelton | SP |
| Libberty Hunter | 10 / 11-10 | 159 | T: Mrs C Williams | SP |
| Matata | 8 / 11-10 | 159 | T: N & W Twiston-Davies | SP |
| Protektorat | 11 / 11-10 | 165 | T: D Skelton | SP |
| Saint Segal | 8 / 11-10 | 155 | J: C Gethings
T: Mrs J Williams |
SP |
| Solness | 8 / 11-10 | 166 | T: J P O’Brien | SP |
Know More About Melling Chase (FAQs)
When Is the Melling Chase 2026?
The Melling Chase 2026 is a prestigious Grade 1 race run over a distance of approximately 2 miles and 4 furlongs on Aintree’s Mildmay course. It will be held on Friday, 10th April 2026.
What Time Is the Melling Chase?
The Melling Chase is the signature feature race of Day 2, traditionally known as Ladies Day.
It takes place annually in early April during the world-famous Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. The Melling Chase 2026 is scheduled for 3:30 PM (UK time).
How Many Runners Are in the Aintree Bowl Chase?
There are five runners in the Aintree Bowl Chase: Jango Baie, Impaire Et Passe, Spillane’s Tower, Protektorat, and Pic d’Orhy.
Where Can I See the Melling Chase Racecard?
You can see the Melling Chase racecard in our guide above or on our website.
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