Eider Chase Tips & Odds

The history of the Eider Chase

Ever since Witty won the inaugural running of the race in 1952, the Grand National Trial has historically been one of the most competitive staying handicap chases on the National Hunt calendar.

Highland Wedding was a three-time winner of the race-winning in 1966, 1967, and 1969 (1968 race was abandoned), so the Toby Balding-trained stayer is the most prolific winner of the race, while it's now been a breeding ground for potential Grand National contenders.

While many competing in this race may head to the Aintree showpiece as an outsider, it can often be a race used as a test outing for those trainers looking to see if their horse will stay the marathon trip at Aintree a few months later in the season.

Who is the most iconic winner of the Eider Chase?

There's no doubt the most iconic winner of the Eider Chase is the David Pipe-trained Comply Or Die, who stormed to an eight-length victory in the 2008 renewal at Newcastle.

The Pond House inmate then went on to become a National Hunt great just two months later as he bounded to victory in the 2008 Grand National at Aintree. He very nearly followed up that Grand National win in 2009, but came second to Mon Mome, but the Pipe-trained raider is still the only horse to achieve the Eider/Grand National double the same season.

Are there any trials for the Eider Chase?

Horses competing in the Eider Chase can come from a whole host of races, but the likes of the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day and the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock Park can often be used as a stepping stone to the Eider Chase.