For many people, the Grand National is the only race they bet on all year. Part and parcel of that is looking for Grand National 2026 tips!
It is easy to see why. Over four miles, with 30 fences and a field of more than 30 runners, it is rarely straightforward. Even well-backed favourites can find trouble, while bigger-priced horses often work their way into the places.
Recent runnings have shown that clearly. Horses at 20/1, 25/1, and beyond regularly run big races, even when the market leaders perform well.
With that in mind, the aim here is not to find four certain winners. Instead, it is about highlighting four runners who make sense based on their form, their running style, and how they might cope with the demands of Aintree.
Final Orders – Arrives in Form
Final Orders, from trainer Gavin Cromwell, represents the in-form option. He comes into Aintree on the back of a win in the Glenfarclas Chase at Cheltenham, having also taken the same race earlier in the season. That shows he is handling big occasions and arriving with confidence.
While the Glenfarclas is a different type of race, it still requires stamina, balance, and concentration, qualities that are essential for the Grand National.
He will be ridden by Conor Stone-Walsh, and there is a sense that he is progressing at the right time. If you favour horses coming in with recent winning form, he is worth including.
Grangeclare West – Proven at Aintree
Grangeclare West is one of the more straightforward cases in the field.
He finished third in this race last year, putting in a solid round of jumping and staying on well in the closing stages.
That experience counts for plenty, especially in a race where many runners are tackling the fences for the first time.
Since then, he has added the Bobbyjo Chase to his record, a race that has become a reliable guide to Grand National form in recent years.
He is trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Patrick Mullins, a combination that has enjoyed plenty of success in major staying races – after all the duo won this race last year with Nick Rockett!
If you are looking for a runner with proven ability at Aintree, solid stamina, and a yard that targets races like this, he is an obvious starting point.
Mr Vango – Stamina Above All
Mr Vango offers a different angle again. He has built his record around long-distance races, winning events such as the London National, the Peter Marsh Chase, and the Midlands National. All of those races place a strong emphasis on stamina.
He also has experience over the Aintree fences, having finished second in the Becher Chase earlier in the season. That run showed he can handle the course, which is not something every runner can claim.
Trained by Sara Bradstock, he represents a yard that knows exactly what type of horse he is. At much bigger odds, he is the kind of runner who could stay on past tiring rivals and get involved late on.
Haiti Couleurs – Built for Staying Tests
Haiti Couleurs, from trainer Rebecca Curtis, comes into the race with a slightly different profile.
He has already won both the Irish Grand National and the Welsh Grand National, which are two of the toughest staying races in the calendar.
That record suggests he is well-suited to long-distance handicaps and capable of handling demanding conditions.
He has shown he can deal with large fields, maintain a strong gallop, and keep finding when the race becomes a test of stamina.
Sean Bowen is set to ride, bringing experience of big-race situations.
For those who prefer a horse that has already proven itself in marathon chases, he fits the bill.
What the Experts Are Saying
If you like to compare your selections with others, there is some overlap among well-known names.
Ruby Walsh has put forward Grangeclare West as his main selection, with Monty’s Star, I Am Maximus, and Gorgeous Tom also making his shortlist.
Paddy Brennan has taken a slightly different approach, selecting Captain Cody as his winner, with Final Orders, I Am Maximus, and Champ Kiely among his leading contenders.
Matt Chapman has sided with Iroko, while also including I Am Maximus, Grangeclare West, and Final Orders in his picks.
There are differences, but certain names appear more than once, which can be a useful guide.
A Simple Approach on the Day
You do not need to study every detail to enjoy a bet on the Grand National.
A common approach is to pick one or two horses with strong profiles, alongside one at a bigger price who could run into the places.
Grangeclare West offers a solid, proven option. Haiti Couleurs brings strong staying form. Final Orders arrives in good shape, while Mr Vango gives you a long-distance angle at bigger odds.
Whatever approach you take, it is worth keeping expectations realistic.
With so many runners and such a long distance, there are always unexpected moments. That is part of what makes the race so popular.
If one of your selections is still in contention heading towards the final fence, you will feel like you have given yourself a real chance.
And that, for most people, is what the Grand National is all about.
BETFRED
