Mr Vango and Johnnywho headline William Hill Becher betting

William Hill are excited to open the betting on the William Hill Becher Chase, the first William Hill Half A Mill bonus race this season. 35 horses have been entered for the prestigious contest over the Randox Grand National fences, with Mr Vango and Johnnywho heading the market as 8/1 joint-favourites.

Colonel Harry, who prevailed in Saturday’s William Hill Grand Sefton Chase, is next in at 10/1, and will likely have supporters after last weekend’s victory. Irish trainers are also well represented, including Gordon Elliott’s Better Days Ahead at 14/1, touted as a potential Randox Grand National horse by his trainer.

As the first race of the William Hill Half A Mill series, the winner of the December 6th Aintree feature will be in line for a £500,000 bonus should they go on to land the Randox Grand National in April.

Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “We’re very excited to see the entries revealed for the William Hill Becher Chase, the first William Hill Half A Mill race of the season, where Mr Vango and Johnnywho head the market as 8/1 joint-favourites. We know Mr Vango is Sara Bradstock’s pride and joy, and whilst he didn’t get a run in the 2025 Randox Grand National, the 2026 renewal may well be the target should he prevail in December.

“It wouldn’t be Randox Grand National talk without mention of JP McManus, and he’s represented by some notable entries, including Johnnywho. He finished close in the William Hill Grand Sefton and looks likely to relish this extra half mile. He could yet put himself in the mix for the William Hill Half A Mill.

 “The first seven home from the Grand Sefton are all entered again, including the winner Colonel Harry at 10/1. Gaboriot follows at 16/1, with Excello at 20/1 and the front-running Mahons Glory at 33/1.

 “Gordon Elliott’s Cheltenham Festival winner, Better Days Ahead, stands out among his entries at 14/1, with Bioluminescence, for William Hill Ambassador Gavin Cromwell,  another to note at 20/1. She’s a high-class mare, and the Randox Grand National has already been mentioned as a possible long-term target.”

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Aintree - William Hill Becher Handicap Chase - 6th Dec 2025

Mr Vango - 8/1

Johnnywho - 8/1

Colonel Harry -10/1

Beauport -10/1

Better Days Ahead -14/1

The Changing Man -16/1

Gaboriot -16/1

Galia Des Liteaux -16/1

Iron Bridge -16/1

BAR: 20/1

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