For those interested in Grand National betting, Ladbrokes' team of traders have given their tips and predictions for the 2026 race taking place on Saturday, April 11.
Ladbrokes traders give their Grand National tips
James Knight
To win - Oscars Brother - This 8-year-old has had a terrific season for trainer Connor King, winning two grade 2s on his way to the Cheltenham Festival, where he ran a fine 4th in the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Chase. I think he's still improving and it is likely that his owner JP McManus has always had this race in mind for him
Each-way pick - Perceval Legallois - Gavin Cromwell's horse was well fancied for last year's National - sent off at just 10-1 before falling at the ninth fence. He has had an uninspiring season so far this term, but Gavin Cromwell has a knack of getting his horses to peak for the big Spring Festivals, so he is one that it would be very dangerous to dismiss at a big price.
Jamie Dennis
To win - Grangeclare West - Willie Mullins 10 year old has been mixing it at the top table over 3 miles and his win last time out at Fairyhouse suggests he is as good as ever. It is also particularly noteworthy that Patrick Mullins has opted to ride him over last year’s winner, Nick Rockett. Having finished third in this race last year, he appears well-positioned to improve on that effort and take home top honours.
Each-way pick - Quai De Bourbon - Another Willie Mullins selection who was sent off favourite for both the Troytown and Irish Grand National this season, finishing third in the latter. A horse that has had his jumping issues, he has plenty of upside if managing to find a clean route around and offers some value at a bigger price.
To win - Jagwar - Though the stats are against him as a 7-year-old, beaten just half a length in the Ultima, ran a cracker despite early mistakes and proved he stayed. I still think he'll be better over those trips once it all clicks. First-time cheekpieces are a positive and should sharpen up his jumping.
Each-way pick - Perceval Legallois - Well-backed last year before falling. Quiet campaign this season, likely the plan. Gavin Cromwell back among the winners after a quiet enough winter and could definitely see him in the places with Harry Cobden booked.
Joseph Kyne
To win - I Am Maximus - Allocated just 1lb more than when he was 2nd in the race last year, he's had a similar prep and might actually be in better form this time round. Paul Townend has chosen him for a third year in a row and the market is very much suggesting he can regain his crown.
Each-way pick - Final Orders - The ground is key to this horse, there is some rain forecast for Saturday but if it stays relatively dry at Aintree this week, Gavin Cromwell's 10 year old could have a great chance. While he's probably not as classy as some of the horses in the race, he's in excellent form - most recently winning the Cross Country at Cheltenham - and is carrying a low weight.
Grant Bradbury
To win - Captain Cody - Proved he stayed this sort of trip winning Scottish National last spring cosily in the end. Has followed a similar race plan to last year's winner from same yard, if he can navigate himself around without mishaps his finishing kick be a big asset after the jumping is done & dusted.
Each-way pick - Lecky Watson - Grade 1 winning novice last year. UK Handicapper hasn't done him any favours and has the odd bad jump in the locker but at least the National fences aren't what they used to be. Looks like being decent ground which suits, nice chance of hitting the frame at a price.
Chris Neale
To win - Gorgeous Tom - Ran a huge race in the Coral Gold Cup having been heavily disadvantaged by a messy start. Returned from a 3-month break over a shorter trip in early March at Leopardstown which should set him up nicely for a big run here. Has been trained with this race as the target and there's plenty of hope in the pedigree that he'll see out the National distance.
Each-way pick - High Class Hero - His best race came over 3m4½f in last year's Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown on Good ground. Pulled up twice this year on Heavy ground means he might get overlooked by many, but I wouldn't let that put you off. Available at 66/1 at time of writing, I'd say he's a good each way bet on return to a marathon trip on less testing ground.
Ladbrokes will have blogs from our esteemed ambassadors, including Dan Skelton, leading this week as head into Aintree and the main event on Saturday at 16:00 BST.
