The anticipation is palpable at Fairyhouse Racecourse as the 2026 Irish Grand National, a jewel of the Irish jump racing calendar, takes center stage this Easter Monday. With a tradition stretching back over a century and a half, the Boylesports Irish Grand National is more than just a race—it’s a showcase of stamina, strategy, and the unpredictable drama that defines horse racing in Ireland. This year’s edition, run over a grueling three miles and five furlongs, boasts a purse of €500,000 (£436,000), with the winner set to pocket a handsome €275,000 (£240,000). No wonder the event has drawn a stellar field of 30 runners, each with dreams of etching their name into racing folklore.
What makes this year’s contest especially intriguing? For starters, the outcome could prove pivotal in the fiercely contested Irish trainers’ championship. Willie Mullins, the 19-time champion, and Gordon Elliott, still chasing his maiden title after an agonizing 13 runner-up finishes, each field a battalion of talented horses. Together, they account for 13 of the 30 declared runners, yet neither can boast a dominant record in this marathon event. Mullins, for all his festival glories, only broke his Irish Grand National duck in 2019 with Burrows Saint and doubled his tally in 2023 with I Am Maximus. Elliott, meanwhile, tasted his only success in 2018 with General Principle. Could this be the year one of them asserts true dominance?
Let’s dive into the leading contenders and some fascinating outsiders who might just steal the spotlight. The market favorite, The Jukebox Kid (6/1), trained by Ben Pauling, arrives in flying form after a commanding victory in the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot back in February. Pauling’s charge is aiming to become the second consecutive UK-trained winner of this storied race, following in the hoofsteps of last year’s surprise victor, Haiti Couleurs. There’s a lot of chatter around The Jukebox Kid’s chances, and it’s easy to see why punters are rallying behind him.
But the Irish challenge is formidable. Willie Mullins sends out a strong team, including Grade 3 winner Argento Boy (9/1), who will be looking to bounce back after a muted performance at the Cheltenham Festival. "He could well bounce back on Monday," one analyst noted, underscoring the sense that Argento Boy wasn’t given a hard race in defeat and remains a livewire in this field. Mullins also saddles C’est Ta Chance (10/1), a seven-year-old chasing a hat-trick after landing the Grade 3 Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase. The step up in trip is expected to suit, and any rain will only enhance his prospects.
Among the most consistent in the line-up is Kiss Will (12/1), another Mullins contender who finished a credible fifth in the Jack Richards Novice Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. The extra distance on offer at Fairyhouse could play right into his hands, and he’s widely tipped to be competitive if things fall his way.
Gordon Elliott, meanwhile, pins his hopes on Better Days Ahead (14/1), a seasoned campaigner carrying the top weight of 11st 12lbs. Elliott has made no secret of his plans, stating, "this race has been the plan all year for Better Days Ahead." The eight-year-old finished sixth in last year’s renewal and is reported to be in cracking form. The hope in the Elliott camp is that the ground stays on the soft side, which would play to Better Days Ahead’s strengths.
Emmet Mullins, another shrewd operator, sends out Soldier In Milan (9/1), who recently notched a win at Punchestown and finished fourth in the Grade 3 Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase at Thurles. The feeling among punters is that Soldier In Milan, with his improving profile, could give Emmet Mullins his first Irish Grand National victory.
Yet, the beauty of the Irish Grand National lies in its openness—and that means outsiders are always worth a second look. Duffle Coat (66/1) is one such longshot, whose last notable effort was a runner-up finish in the Galway Plate way back in July 2024. While his form has dipped since, his back class is undeniable. As one preview put it, "If he was to roll back the years, it wouldn’t be the greatest surprise in the world if he made the podium positions." O’Toole (33/1), trained by Stuart Crawford, is another at big odds who could outrun his price, having bounced back with a much-improved effort at Leopardstown after a disappointing trip to Haydock.
This year’s renewal also shines a light on trainers outside the Mullins-Elliott axis. Jonathan Sweeney, the Cork-based handler, is garnering attention with two intriguing runners: Western Walk and Showurappreciation. Western Walk (around 40-1) is lightly raced over fences, lining up for just the fifth time in a chase. His third-place finish in a graded race at Navan and a strong showing in the Grade 1 Faugheen Chase at Limerick mark him as a dark horse. Showurappreciation, meanwhile, is on a roll—three wins since January, including a recent success in a 3m Novice Handicap Chase at Navan under Mark Walsh. Despite an 8lbs penalty, he’s shown steady improvement and boasts the stamina to handle this marathon trip.
Not to be overlooked is Waterford Whispers, trained by Henry de Bromhead and owned by the legendary JP McManus. After finishing eighth in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham and third in a competitive handicap chase at the Dublin Racing Festival, Waterford Whispers could be primed for a big run off a low weight with Darragh O’Keeffe in the saddle. As one tipster put it, "he is the sort who could fare well."
Brian Flanagan, a respected voice in Irish racing, has offered his 1-2-3-4-5 for the big race: Western Walk, Showurappreciation, Waterford Whispers, Shecouldbeanything, and Weveallbeencaught. That’s a bold call, and it highlights just how open and competitive this year’s field is.
The declared runners—30 in all—include a mix of seasoned handicappers, up-and-coming novices, and a handful of wildcards. Names like Search For Glory, Joystick, Rushmount, Yeah Man, Flicker Of Hope, Monbeg Genius, Velvet Elvis, One Big Bang, Goraibhmaithagat, Karis Des Blaises, Hartur d’Arc, Kurasso Blue, The Enabler, Sa Majeste, Born Braver, Shanbally Kid, and Waterford Whispers add further depth to a line-up that promises fireworks.
As the runners go to post at Fairyhouse, punters and racing fans alike will be glued to the unfolding drama. Will the market leaders justify their billing, or will an outsider spring a shock? Can Willie Mullins or Gordon Elliott add another chapter to their storied rivalry, or will a less-heralded trainer steal the show? One thing’s certain: the 2026 Irish Grand National is set to deliver another thrilling chapter in the sport’s rich tapestry. As the horses thunder down the home straight, all eyes will be on Fairyhouse to see which name is added to the illustrious roll of honor.