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

Year: 2026

Winner: Ryan's Rocket

Jockey: Jonathan Burke

Trainer: Fergal O’Brien

Year: 2025

Winner: Sans Bruit

Jockey: Harry Cobden

Trainer: Paul Nicholls

Year: 2024

Winner: Sans Bruit

Jockey: Bryony Frost

Trainer: Paul Nicholls

Year: 2023

Winner: Dancing On My Own

Jockey: Rachael Blackmore

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead

Year: 2022

Winner: The Last Day

Jockey: Adam Wedge

Trainer: Evan Williams

Year: 2021

Winner: Editeur Du Gite

Jockey: Joshua Moore

Trainer: Gary Moore

Year: 2019

Winner: Moon Over Germany

Jockey: Rachael Blackmore

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead