Close Brothers and Aintree Grand National Festival 2026

Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase

Day 1 of Aintree Grand National Festival saw the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase take place at 4:40 pm, live on ITV1.

Ryan’s Rocket, ridden by Jonathan Burke and trained by Fergal O’Brien, came home three and a half lengths clear of Highlands Legacy to win the race.

Ryan's Rocket

Last year's winner: Sans Bruit

Last year's Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase was won by Sans Bruit, ridden by Harry Cobden and trained by Paul Nicholls, who claimed the victory with an impressive performance which saw him dominate from the front the entire race.

Sans Bruit retained his crown and added his name to the roll of honour for a second consecutive year.

Sans Bruit

Roll of honour: Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase