Aintree Grand National Day 2026

 



14:30 Aintree

The form of the Ultimate Handicap Chase from the Cheltenham festival will be tested thoroughly in the Grand National later on the card, but I think LEAVE OF ABSENCE can give it a boost here first. A couple of mistakes including a significant one three out in that contest made life difficult but he still ran very well to finish 5th. I made a full case for him in my Cheltenham Day One post, so won’t bang on about it here. Obviously the jumping errors are a small concern, but I think double figures is a fair price.


LOOKAWAY is another one I want on my side after his impressive win at Kempton in the Ladbroke Trophy. He’s up 6lb for that win but that was fully deserved, his prominent racing style should be well suited to this contest and he has run twice at Aintree - winning a Grade 2 bumper and finishing 3rd in a Grade 1 hurdle.


LEAVE OF ABSENCE 10/1 - 1 Point Each-Way

LOOKAWAY 7/1 - 1 Point Each-Way



16:00 Aintree

I’m not going to put any selections up for the Grand National, it’s obviously far from a solid betting medium but I will put my shortlist down below for those who usually ask:

PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS

MONTY’S STAR

OSCARS BROTHER

HIGH CLASS HERO


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