![MAESTROS OF THE MIDLANDS](https://cdn.magzter.com/1367956438/1708514296/articles/bmGUnNBUC1708521549229/MAESTROS-OF-THE-MIDLANDS.jpg)
The Midlands National is always staged hot on the heels of the Cheltenham Festival – the day after in fact – so it often rides off the back of the momentum from the best four days of jumps racing.
If punters have had a good Festival, they will be keen to keep going and the Midlands National provides the perfect tonic to racing fans looking to reload and Cheltenham winnings.
Run at Uttoxeter races over 4m2f – then, it goes without saying, that stamina is very much needed and even though we’ve already had the Welsh National, the Midlands version also sees the start of the build-up to the Irish, Scottish and, of course, the Aintree Grand National in April.
Twelve months ago, we saw trainer Alan King get his name on the Midlands National roll of honour for the first time when his Major Dundee won by three lengths.
Owned by the late Trevor Hemmings, Major Dundee was also another National winner in his well-known green, yellow and white silks, while it also provided jockey Rex Dingle with a famous big-race win with just over £84k in prize money landed.
The good news is that there has also been a lot of big-race trends that have built up over the years and so punters looking to get involved in the Uttoxeter contest.
Let’s look at some of the main trends I’m taking about... Age – With a massive 18 of the last 20 winners aged 9 or younger, then surely, we can put a line through all the horses aged in double-figures. The 11 year-olds Regal Flow (2018) and Screaming Colours (2022) did fly the flag for the older statesmen, but they were the first horses to win aged in double digits since 1995.
Last year’s hero Major Dundee was aged 8 and we’ve now seen three of the last four winners that age.
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![HEAT IS ON](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/ORnBmLha41719405089992/HEAT-IS-ON.jpg)
HEAT IS ON
Andy Newton assesses the numbers as temperatures in York rise
![SIX IS OUT SINCE 1886](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/NEMqJtx421719404561129/SIX-IS-OUT-SINCE-1886.jpg)
SIX IS OUT SINCE 1886
Stats ace Andy Newton examines the form and trends ahead of the Sandown showcase
![ECLIPSE WAS SIRE OF ALL OUR STARS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/pSML702I91719404349242/ECLIPSE-WAS-SIRE-OF-ALL-OUR-STARS.jpg)
ECLIPSE WAS SIRE OF ALL OUR STARS
Graham Buddry recalls the legend who launched racing's generation game
![KYP DOUBLE CROWNS IT FOR AIDAN](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/UoqQLSciw1719404204570/KYP-DOUBLE-CROWNS-IT-FOR-AIDAN.jpg)
KYP DOUBLE CROWNS IT FOR AIDAN
Ballydoyle comeback star highlights Royal meeting with 'millions-to-one' Ascot Gold Cup triumph
![TEEN BILLY'S RASH BREAK](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/nK_F82MSp1719403728180/TEEN-BILLYS-RASH-BREAK.jpg)
TEEN BILLY'S RASH BREAK
lan Heitman reports on Royal Ascot young stars as 80-1 stunner springs surprise party on opening day
![POISED TO TAKE PRIDE OF PLACE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/T0nprmkYs1719403564077/POISED-TO-TAKE-PRIDE-OF-PLACE.jpg)
POISED TO TAKE PRIDE OF PLACE
Richard Eagle looks on as Epsom's home of Eclipse rebuilds for the future
![JACK'S CERTAIN ABOUT THE LAD](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/ahdRCGTwp1719403431454/JACKS-CERTAIN-ABOUT-THE-LAD.jpg)
JACK'S CERTAIN ABOUT THE LAD
Ben Morgan tips up out his pick of juicy bets ready to ripen this month
![RUNNING ON EMPTY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/XMfPMy2t11719403288702/RUNNING-ON-EMPTY.jpg)
RUNNING ON EMPTY
Rolf Johnson mourns the 'lost souls' of the Downs on Derby day
![OUR SKY MAN IS FLYING THE COOP](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/2VbhiGPQh1719403135383/OUR-SKY-MAN-IS-FLYING-THE-COOP.jpg)
OUR SKY MAN IS FLYING THE COOP
Robert Cooper may be bidding farewell to Sky Sports but, never fear, will still be landing his gems in Racing Ahead
![PRINCE LETS HIS CROWN WOBBLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/ph1Tgr_Co1719402884135/PRINCE-LETS-HIS-CROWN-WOBBLE.jpg)
PRINCE LETS HIS CROWN WOBBLE
Jeremy Grayson focuses on the ups and downs of the summer jumps learning curve