William Hill Manifesto Novices’ Chase |
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| Grade 1, Aintree 14:20 £120,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 2m 3f 200y, Class 1  |
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1 Koktail Divin 3/1
2
Blueking d'Oroux 22/1
3
Mambonumberfive 11/1
5 ran Distances: 2¼l, 8l
Time: 5m 1.24s (slow by 9.24s)
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— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) April 9, 2026
Grade 1 success for Henry De Bromhead as Koktail Divin digs deep to win the @WillHillRacing Manifesto Novices' Chase 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/5oR35rPOvc
There are times when Aintree offers redemption as much as revelation, and Koktail Divin’s success fell neatly into both categories.
Henry de Bromhead’s charge arrived here with something to prove after failing to see out his race at Cheltenham, where three miles ultimately stretched his stamina. Dropped back in trip and returned to a flatter, more rhythmical track, he was able to show a different facet of his ability.
In a small but select field, the early narrative centred on Nicky Henderson’s Lulamba, sent off a short-priced favourite and expected to confirm his standing among the better novices. Yet the race turned decisively at the 10th fence, where Lulamba parted company with Nico de Boinville, removing a key rival from contention and shifting the focus to those who remained.
Blueking d’Oroux briefly assumed control at long odds, but always in close attendance was Koktail Divin, travelling with purpose and jumping with fluency. When the pressure was applied, he responded in kind, moving to the front and asserting his authority in the closing stages to win by two and a quarter lengths.
De Bromhead was quick to highlight both the ride and the manner of the performance.
“That’s a great start. Darragh was brilliant on him, I thought they went a real good gallop and he jumps amazing.
“I think he might have been idling a bit and I was starting to get a bit worried, but then he began to pick up again, he was relentless the whole way really.
“We really fancied him at Cheltenham over three miles and turning in I thought he looked the winner, but he clearly didn’t get home.
“He won’t go to Punchestown now, I was even a little bit apprehensive bringing him here after Cheltenham. It will be next year when you see him again, maybe at Down Royal in the race for second-season novices.”
That sense of restraint is telling. Having found the right conditions here, connections appear content to draw stumps for the season, with a view to a more measured campaign next term. The emphasis, as so often with De Bromhead, is on long-term progression rather than immediate gain.
Behind him, the runner-up emerged with considerable credit, particularly given the adversity he encountered in the race. A significant error three out might have ended his challenge altogether, yet he rallied gamely to keep the winner honest.
“It was an unbelievable run considering he made a crucial mistake three out.
“He’s getting better now he’s jumping better, he’s more assured and I think a step up to three miles next year will suit him.
“The only race he could run in before the end of the season is at Sandown, but I’d say he’s done enough.
“Next season I think he’ll improve again.”
In the end, this was a race that underlined the importance of conditions as much as class. Koktail Divin, freed from the demands of a searching three miles, was able to travel, jump, and quicken — a combination that proved decisive. For others, the day was more about what might have been, but for the winner, it was a timely reaffirmation of both ability and direction.
Manifesto Novices' Chase
£120,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 2m 3f 200y, Class 1
5 ran
Going: Good to Soft
