14:55 Aintree 09 Apr 2026
Racing Welfare Bowl Chase
Grade 1 | GBB Race | Class 1 | 5YO plus
Winner £140,325 - 5 run
- Winner
- Top 2 Finish
- W/O Jango Baie
- W/O
- Insure 2 Places
- Top 3 Finish
- W/O Impaire Et Passe And Jango Baie
- W/O Jango Baie And Spillanes Tower
- Finish Exactly 2nd
- W/O Spillanes Tower
- W/O Impaire Et Passe
- Not To Win
Winner of five G1s; yard won this last year; pulled up in Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) at Cheltenham latest where beaten early with race coming too soon; effective 2m-2m5f on soft and good; classy performer, still only an 8yo and a Grade 1 course winner who retains potential but must bounce back
Has won six hurdle races, a NH flat race and four chases from 1m 4f to 2m 5f on ground varying from good to yielding - soft. Pulled up 5 out when 10-3 in the Group 1 Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham over 2m 5f (good) in a Grade 1 chase won by Heart Wood last month on his latest outing.
Winner of five G1s; yard won this last year; pulled up in Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) at Cheltenham latest where beaten early with race coming too soon; effective 2m-2m5f on soft and good; classy performer, still only an 8yo and a Grade 1 course winner who retains potential but must bounce back
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 16 | 10 | 1 | 62.5% | |
| Chase | 7 | 4 | 0 | 57.1% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| C | Course | 2 | 2 | 0 | 100% |
| Distance | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| G | Similar Going | 14 | 8 | 1 | 57.1% |
| Headgear | |||||
| HG | Today (P only) | 4 | 2 | 0 | 50% |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 1 | 14 | 8 | 1 | 57.1% |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Paul Townend | 11 | 9 | 1 | 81.8% |
| T | W P Mullins | 16 | 10 | 1 | 62.5% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Winner of two G1s including 2025 Arkle; ran to form but no match for winner when second beaten 8l in Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) at Cheltenham latest; effective 2m-3m2f, acts on any but suited by decent ground; top class, unexposed over staying trips, can throw in odd error but progressing and fancied to avenge last year's novice defeat here to Impaire Et Passe.
Winner of two hurdle races and three chases from 2m to 2m 5f on ground varying from good to soft. Beaten 8l by Gaelic Warrior when second of 10 at 11-4jt-fav on his latest outing in a Grade 1 chase in the Group 1 Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase at Cheltenham over 3m 2f (good to soft) last month.
Winner of two G1s including 2025 Arkle; ran to form but no match for winner when second beaten 8l in Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) at Cheltenham latest; effective 2m-3m2f, acts on any but suited by decent ground; top class, unexposed over staying trips, can throw in odd error but progressing and fancied to avenge last year's novice defeat here to Impaire Et Passe.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 12 | 5 | 4 | 41.7% | |
| Chase | 7 | 3 | 2 | 42.9% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| C | Course | 3 | 1 | 2 | 33.3% |
| Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| G | Similar Going | 11 | 5 | 4 | 45.5% |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 13 | 5 | 5 | 38.5% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 1 | 10 | 3 | 4 | 30% |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | N de Boinville | 10 | 4 | 4 | 40% |
| T | N J Henderson | 12 | 5 | 4 | 41.7% |
| BF Was beaten favourite last time out | |||||
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Winner of three G1s including here; jumped slickly and returned to form on favourable drying ground when second beaten 1 1/2l in Ascot Chase (Grade 1) at Ascot latest; best at 2m5f, needs sound surface; will remain competitive but a little bit below top class, Ascot specialist.
Has won four hurdle races and 11 chases from 1m 7f to 2m 5f on ground varying from good to soft. Beaten 1 1/2l by Jonbon when second of 6 at 5-2 on his latest outing in a Grade 1 chase in the Group 1 Betfair Ascot Chase at Ascot over 2m 5f (good to soft) in February.
Winner of three G1s including here; jumped slickly and returned to form on favourable drying ground when second beaten 1 1/2l in Ascot Chase (Grade 1) at Ascot latest; best at 2m5f, needs sound surface; will remain competitive but a little bit below top class, Ascot specialist.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 36 | 15 | 7 | 41.7% | |
| Chase | 25 | 11 | 4 | 44% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| C | Course | 3 | 1 | 0 | 33.3% |
| Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| G | Similar Going | 28 | 12 | 5 | 42.9% |
| Headgear | |||||
| HG | Today (T only) | 29 | 12 | 5 | 41.4% |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 1 | 25 | 10 | 5 | 40% |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | H Cobden | 28 | 12 | 5 | 42.9% |
| T | P F Nicholls | 30 | 12 | 5 | 40% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Winner of three G1s; went clear with ease, outclassed rivals when winning Premier Chase (Listed) at Kelso by 8 1/2l last time; trainer in form; effective 2 1/2-3m; consistent veteran likes this venue but probably vulnerable to less exposed rival.
Has won a hurdle race and nine chases from 2m to 3m 2f on good to soft and soft ground. Won on his latest outing in a chase when 1-12fav at Kelso over 2m 7f (good to soft) in February, beating Minella Drama by 9l. Has also won at Windsor this season.
Winner of three G1s; went clear with ease, outclassed rivals when winning Premier Chase (Listed) at Kelso by 8 1/2l last time; trainer in form; effective 2 1/2-3m; consistent veteran likes this venue but probably vulnerable to less exposed rival.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 35 | 10 | 10 | 28.6% | |
| Chase | 26 | 9 | 6 | 34.6% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| CD | Course and Distance | 2 | 1 | 0 | 50% |
| C | Course | 5 | 2 | 0 | 40% |
| D | Distance | 3 | 1 | 0 | 33.3% |
| G | Similar Going | 31 | 10 | 7 | 32.3% |
| Headgear | |||||
| HG | Today (T only) | 22 | 7 | 6 | 31.8% |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 1 | 26 | 6 | 7 | 23.1% |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Harry Skelton | 33 | 9 | 9 | 27.3% |
| T | Dan Skelton | 34 | 10 | 9 | 29.4% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Back to form when winning Cotswold Chase (Grade 2) at Cheltenham by 3/4l last time; that form boosted in GC; effective 2 1/2-3m, needs cut; top class dual Grade 1 winning novice back to best latest, should remain competitive at top level in spring festivals though could do with some rain as skipped GC due to quick ground.
Winner of a hurdle race and five chases from 2m to 3m 1f on ground varying from soft to heavy. A winner at 11-4 in a Grade 2 chase in the Group 2 Betfair Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham over 3m 1f (soft) on his latest outing in January, beating L'Homme Presse by 3/4l.
Back to form when winning Cotswold Chase (Grade 2) at Cheltenham by 3/4l last time; that form boosted in GC; effective 2 1/2-3m, needs cut; top class dual Grade 1 winning novice back to best latest, should remain competitive at top level in spring festivals though could do with some rain as skipped GC due to quick ground.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 18 | 6 | 4 | 33.3% | |
| Chase | 11 | 5 | 1 | 45.5% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Course | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| D | Distance | 3 | 2 | 0 | 66.7% |
| G | Similar Going | 14 | 5 | 3 | 35.7% |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 18 | 6 | 4 | 33.3% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 1 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 44.4% |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | Mark Walsh | 12 | 4 | 2 | 33.3% |
| T | J J Mangan | 18 | 6 | 4 | 33.3% |
-
Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
Verdict
With his Gold Cup conqueror Gaelic Warrior not bidding for back-to-back wins in this race, JANGO BAIE is the logical choice after his gallant second in last month's Cheltenham Festival showpiece. With the world at his feet as an improving seven-year-old, Nicky Henderson's charge is in the right age bracket to firmly establish himself as a stayer of the highest order. With his illustrious connections targeting Spillane's Tower at this rather than the Grand National on Saturday, the dual Grade 1 winner can provide a stern test for the selection. Protektorat, Impaire Et Passe and Pic D'Orhy all have oodles of class so this is by no means a two-horse race.
Expert View Verdict
JANGO BAIE was ultimately well beaten in the Gold Cup but he was a clear second and a repeat of that effort should be enough here. The 2025 Arkle winner was arguably a bit unlucky in the King George previously and remains unexposed as a stayer. He was beaten in a Grade 1 novice here last term by Impaire Et Passe but he was outpaced over 2 1/2m that day before rallying. Over this longer trip he can reverse the form with that rival who must bounce back after disappointing in the Ryanair. The biggest danger may be from dual Grade 1 winner Spillane's Tower who bounced back to his best in the Cotswold Chase last time. That form took a small boost in the Gold Cup and he isn't fully exposed as a stayer in open company. He was withdrawn from the Gold Cup due to quick ground though so he will need some rain to arrive. Veteran Protektorat has a decent record here where he was a Grade 1 winner as a novice. He's been kept fresh for this after outclassing rivals at lower levels and isn't ruled out either though he is probably vulnerable to a less exposed rival.
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Previous winners
| Year | Going | Ran | Winner | Draw | Age | Weight | OR | Form | Last run | Trainer (Distance) | Jockey | SP | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Good to Soft | 7 | Gaelic Warrior | 7 | 11 10 | - | 1U1-223 | 60 days | W P Mullins | Mr Patrick Mullins | 11/ 4 | 6:22.15 | |
| 2024 | Soft | 7 | Gerri Colombe | 8 | 11 10 | - | 121-122 | 27 days | G Elliott (210 miles) | Jack Kennedy | 9/ 4 | 6:51.54 | |
| 2023 | Good to Soft | 5 | Shishkin | 9 | 11 10 | - | 11P-312 | 28 days | N J Henderson (180 miles) | Nico De Boinville | 7/ 4 | 6:20.94 | |
| 2022 | Good to Soft | 9 | Clan Des Obeaux | 10 | 11 7 | - | 321-123 | 54 days | P F Nicholls (207 miles) | Harry Cobden | 13/ 2 | 6:33.30 | |
| 2021 | Good to Soft | 9 | Clan Des Obeaux | 9 | 11 7 | - | 218-232 | 46 days | P F Nicholls (207 miles) | Harry Cobden | 5/ 2 | 6:25.94 | |
| 2019 | Good to Soft | 6 | Kemboy | 7 | 11 7 | - | F11-11U | 20 days | W P Mullins | Ruby Walsh | 9/ 4 | 6:35.00 | |
| 2018 | Good to Soft | 8 | Might Bite | 9 | 11 7 | - | 111-112 | 27 days | N J Henderson (180 miles) | Nico De Boinville | 4/ 5 | 6:40.18 | |
| 2017 | Good | 7 | Tea For Two | 8 | 11 7 | - | 3-5241U | 20 days | Nick Williams (250 miles) | Lizzie Kelly | 10/ 1 | 6:24.10 | |
| 2016 | Good to Soft | 9 | Cue Card | 10 | 11 7 | - | 2-4111F | 20 days | C L Tizzard (216 miles) | Paddy Brennan | 6/ 5 | 6:41.10 | |
| 2015 | Good to Soft | 7 | Silviniaco Conti | 9 | 11 7 | - | 41-5117 | 27 days | P F Nicholls (207 miles) | Noel Fehily | 7/ 4 | 6:15.40 | |
| 2014 | Good | 6 | Silviniaco Conti | 8 | 11 7 | - | 1F3-314 | 20 days | P F Nicholls (207 miles) | Noel Fehily | 9/ 4 | 6:21.90 | |
| 2013 | Good | 8 | First Lieutenant | 8 | 11 7 | - | 3-42322 | 21 days | M F Morris | Bryan Cooper | 7/ 2 | 6:25.40 | |
| 2012 | Good to Soft | 11 | Follow The Plan | 9 | 11 7 | - | 3-16244 | 33 days | O McKiernan | T J Doyle | 50/ 1 | 6:26.60 | |
| 2011 | Good to Soft | 6 | Nacarat | 10 | 11 7 | - | 23-1443 | 40 days | T R George (154 miles) | Paddy Brennan | 7/ 2 | 6:31.69 | |
| 2010 | Good to Soft | 5 | What A Friend | 7 | 11 7 | - | 1161-21 | 100 days | P F Nicholls (207 miles) | Ruby Walsh | 5/ 2 | 6:27.10 | |
| 2009 | Good | 10 | Madison Du Berlais | 8 | 11 10 | - | 5F-6118 | 20 days | D Pipe (209 miles) | Tom Scudamore | 12/ 1 | 6:26.40 | |
| 2008 | Good to Soft | 5 | Our Vic | 10 | 11 10 | - | 223-221 | 21 days | D Pipe (209 miles) | Timmy Murphy | 9/ 1 | 6:25.80 | |
| 2007 | Good | 5 | Exotic Dancer | 7 | 11 12 | - | 211212 | 27 days | J & A O'Neill (140 miles) | A P McCoy | 6/ 4 | 6:22.70 | |
| 2006 | Good | 9 | Celestial Gold | 8 | 11 8 | - | 11137-U | 20 days | M Pipe (209 miles) | Timmy Murphy | 8/ 1 | 6:27.80 |