2021 Randox Grand National Festival: Ryanair Stayers Hurdle Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When does the 2021 Randox Grand National Festival take place? Thursday 8^th April – Saturday 10^th April, 2021

What time does the Ryanair Stayers Hurdle start? Saturday 10^th April, 2021 – 15:35 (UK)

Where can I get tickets for the 2021 Randox Grand National Festival? The 2021 Randox Grand National Festival will take place without spectators

What TV channel is the 2021 Randox Grand National Festival on in the UK? ITV will be televising the event along with Racing TV

Where can I stream the 2021 Randox Grand National Festival in the UK? The event can be streamed live on ITV Hub, while Racing TV subscribers can also live stream the action

THE LOWDOWN

Thyme Hill and Paisley Park will renew their rivalry after the former was forced to sit out last month’s Cheltenham Festival because of a slight injury. The latter was then somewhat disappointing as he could only manage third spot in the Stayers’ Hurdle and he will have to improve on that run if he is to claim the win here.

Paisley Park was the winner the last time the pair met having won by a neck at Ascot back in December, overturning the result from their previous outing at Newbury when Thyme Hill got the better of his rival by a length and a half. Roksana could spoil the party having produced a good display to finish third at Cheltenham in the Mares’ Hurdle and receiving her 7lb allowance for this race could prove to be extremely beneficial.

THE PREDICTION

All eyes will be on the battle between Thyme Hill and Paisley Park but it is Philip Hobbs’ horse that gets the nod here. He is the more consistent performer of the two and after he was held out of Cheltenham with a slight injury, he looks well-placed for a big run here. He will have to overturn the form from the pair's last meeting but having lost out by just a neck in that race, his enforced layoff should enable him to have enough to be able to get his nose in front on this occasion while Roksana can make bottom weight count to finish in the frame.

Tip: Thyme Hill @ 5/2

Roksana @ 7/1 (ew)