Grand National 2026: Early Analysis and Ante-Post Betting Guide

The world's greatest steeplechase returns in April. Declan Murphy provides early selections while prices remain generous.

Grand National 2026: The People's Race

The Aintree Grand National transcends horse racing. It's the one day when the entire nation becomes interested in jump racing—from committed punters to office sweep participants who couldn't name another race all year. For Irish racing fans, it's practically a national holiday.

The 2026 renewal promises exceptional drama. Here's everything you need to know.

Understanding What Makes the Grand National Unique

The Course: Aintree's 4 miles 2½ furlongs includes 30 fences, with 16 unique obstacles including Becher's Brook (with its notorious landing side drop), The Chair (the tallest fence), and Canal Turn (requiring a sharp left turn mid-jump). No other course tests horses like Aintree.

The Handicap: Weights range from 10 stone to 11 stone 10 pounds. Lower-weighted horses have historically outperformed—the last twenty-five years show a clear bias toward horses carrying under 11 stone.

Field Size: Up to 40 runners create unpredictability. Positioning at early fences matters enormously—getting hampered by fallers can end any horse's chances regardless of ability.

Historical Trends That Matter

Data analysis reveals consistent patterns:

Age Profile: - 9-10 year olds have the best record - 8 year olds lack experience for Aintree's unique challenges - 11+ year olds may lack the stamina for sustained effort

Weight Analysis: - 23 of last 25 winners carried under 11st 5lb - Topweights rarely win despite their class advantage - The sweet spot appears to be 10st 4lb - 11st

Form Requirements: - Previous Aintree experience (any race) significantly improves chances - Recent form must show stamina—horses winning over shorter trips rarely translate - Becher Chase or Topham runners have course knowledge edge

Going Preferences: - Good to Soft is the typical Grand National ground - Horses requiring extremes (Heavy or Good to Firm) face challenges

Early Ante-Post Contenders for 2026

Corbetts Cross (12/1) - Gordon Elliott's youngster impressed in staying chases. Relatively young but possesses the jumping ability Aintree demands. Each-way at current prices offers genuine value.

Hewick (14/1) - John "Shark" Hanlon's stable star has proven big-fence credentials. His American Grand National victory demonstrated Aintree-style jumping. Weight will be his challenge.

Noble Yeats (10/1) - Past winner returns with more weight but also more experience. Emmet Mullins has managed his career expertly. At these odds, he's worth consideration despite the weight concern.

Iroko (20/1) - The French raider has the profile that occasionally conquers Aintree. Stamina-laden pedigree, jumping ability proven at Auteuil—if supplemented, he's a serious dark horse.

Ahoy Senor (25/1) - Has disappointed in recent outings but retains ability to win Grade 1 chases. If connections target Aintree specifically and he arrives fit, his ceiling matches anyone.

Betting Strategy for the Grand National

Multiple Each-Way Bets: In a 40-runner handicap, the each-way market (typically 1/5 odds for places 1-4) offers value. A 20/1 selection placing 4th still returns 5/1.

Ante-Post Now: Prices compress significantly between February and April. If you've identified selections, stake now for best value. Non-runner rules vary—check policies before betting.

Diversify Selections: Unlike shorter races where one selection makes sense, the Grand National's unpredictability justifies multiple small stakes across different profiles.

Avoid Emotional Betting: The Grand National tempts people to back their "lucky numbers" or names they like. Resist—only horses meeting the criteria above deserve stakes.

My Ante-Post Portfolio

I'm building the following position now:

1. Corbetts Cross (12/1) - 2 units each-way
2. Hewick (14/1) - 1.5 units each-way
3. Iroko (20/1) - 1 unit each-way (pending supplementary entry)
4. Noble Yeats (10/1) - 1 unit each-way

Total exposure: 6 units staked, seeking returns across multiple finishing positions.

Race Day: Saturday, April 4th, 2026

Mark your calendar. Clear your afternoon. Gather your friends. The Grand National delivers drama whether you're a seasoned punter or holding an office sweep slip.

The people's race awaits.