Established in 1987, The Weatherbys Champion Standard Open National Hunt Flat was known as The Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race before Weatherbys Racing Bank became the sponsor in 2014. The NH Flat was initially sponsored by John Smith’s until 2013 and was given its Grade Two level at the beginning of John Smith’s sponsorship in 2015.
The race is held in early April each year at the Aintree Grand National and is open to horses between four and six years of age. This flat race is 2 miles and one furlong in distance.
| Date | April 8th, 2022 |
| Start Time (GMT) | 17:15 |
| Distance | 2m 1f |
| Type | NH Flat Race |
| Prize | £45,000 |
| Where to Watch | |
| Horse’s Age | 4 – 6 years |
Weatherbys Champion Standard Open NH Flat: Recent Winners
| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
| 2021 | Rowland Ward | Charlie Hammond | Stuart Edmunds |
| 2020 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2019 | McFabulous | Harry Cobden | Paul Nicholls |
| 2018 | Portrush Ted | Gavin Sheehan | Warren Greatrex |
| 2017 | Lalor | Richard Johnson | Richard Woollacott |
| 2016 | Bacardys | Patrick Mullins | Willie Mullins |
Weatherbys Champion Standard Open NH Flat Tips, Predictions, and Previews
Note: the tips below refer to the 2021 Grand National Festival; updated previews will be available on the week of the 2022 Festival.
After an impressive winning debut at Taunton, THE WIDDOW MAKER is fancied for another step forward here for trainer Colin Tizzard. He did that with a minimum of fuss, beating the same runner-up as Copperless did a week later with more ease. Olly Murphy’s ride is favourite for this but, with Harry Kimber taking 7lb off, The Widdow Maker looks a better option. Leoncavallo ran a fine race at Cheltenham last month after a layoff and the Cesarewitch sixth should be suited down in trip and coming to this venue. He’s lively player for David Pipe.
Selection: The Widdow Maker @ 17/2
Previous Race: Sefton Novices’ Hurdle
Next Race: Gaskells Handicap Hurdle
