On a day marked by both jubilation and heartbreak at Aintree Racecourse, the 2026 Randox Grand National Festival delivered a spectacle that racing fans won’t soon forget. The spotlight shone brightest on rising Irish jockey Conor Stone-Walsh, who clinched his first victory over the iconic Grand National fences by steering Will The Wise to a thrilling win in the Randox Topham Handicap Chase. The triumph not only elevated Stone-Walsh’s burgeoning reputation but also provided a timely confidence boost for trainer Gavin Cromwell, whose team is primed for even bigger challenges in the days ahead.
Will The Wise, a seven-year-old trained in County Meath by Cromwell, entered the 2-mile 5-furlong contest as a 9-1 shot. The gelding had finished runner-up to Madara in the Plate at last month’s Cheltenham Festival, but at Aintree, he reversed the form in stunning style. Under the cool guidance of Stone-Walsh, Will The Wise surged past the field in the closing stages, ultimately crossing the line a length and a quarter ahead of the fast-finishing Ile Atlantique (11-2). Madara, the 7-2 favorite ridden by Harry Skelton, settled for third, while last year’s winner Gentleman De Mee finished fourth and Indiana Jones, a 100-1 outsider, rounded out the top five.
It was a race packed with drama from the start. Mahons Glory set a relentless early pace, jumping fluently with Boombawn keeping him company at the front. As the field thundered over the Melling Road, Madara made a bold move to seize the lead. But the decisive moment came at the Elbow, where Stone-Walsh, showing a maturity beyond his 19 years, guided Will The Wise through the pack and unleashed a powerful finishing kick that left his rivals in his wake.
For both Cromwell and Stone-Walsh, the victory was a career milestone. Cromwell, who had previously seen Vanillier finish second in the 2023 Grand National, was effusive in his praise for his horse and jockey. "He’s a very simple, straightforward horse to train – he’s a pleasure to have. I wouldn’t rule out him running in the Grand National in the future. He’s won over three miles over hurdles and that sort of horse can generally stay further. He’s a young horse as well," Cromwell told reporters. He added, "I enjoyed that. I thought he’d be really suited to the race, the way he jumps. I thought he’d ride him a bit handier on the day but I thought he’d run a big race. It might have looked smooth but I wouldn't say I was never worried! After the Canal Turn he got shuffled back a bit and I thought we were done with but he took to the fences and he came home well."
Stone-Walsh, fresh off his maiden Cheltenham Festival win, was understandably elated. "Unreal," he exclaimed after the race. "I remember, when we were kids, making Grand National jumps for our ponies, and it’s massive to get a win over these fences." He continued, "He jumped from fence to fence, filled himself after the Canal Turn – he wasn’t for stopping up the straight. It was some feeling. Fair play to Rachel who looks after him and the whole team at home." Stone-Walsh, who has already racked up 28 winners on the Flat, has long harbored ambitions of making it big over jumps. "I only ever wanted to be a jump jockey and have worked for Gavin since I started over jumps. Gavin’s been very good to me, and his owners have been very good as well, so big thanks to them."
The buzz around Will The Wise’s potential doesn’t stop with this victory. Cromwell hinted that the horse could be aimed at the Grand National in the future, noting his stamina and aptitude for the Aintree fences. "You can't take any negatives. This is my first winner over the fences, the nearest I'd come was with Vanillier in the National who was second to Corach Rambler (in 2023). Final Orders has taken the Tiger Roll route by winning the cross country, he's in great form, he'll love the ground so there are no negatives," Cromwell said, looking ahead to Saturday’s showpiece event.
Indeed, all eyes will be on Stone-Walsh again as he prepares for his first ride in the Grand National aboard Final Orders, another Cromwell-trained contender. The young jockey’s poise and tactical acumen have already caught the attention of racing insiders, and his partnership with Cromwell’s stable could be one to watch for years to come. The trainer will also send out Perceval Legallois, owned by the JP McManus-backed team, further strengthening his hand in the big race.
Elsewhere on a dramatic Friday at Aintree, the day was tinged with sorrow following the tragic loss of Gold Dancer, who displayed remarkable courage to win the Grade One Mildmay Novices Chase despite suffering a fatal injury. Jockey Paul Townend and trainer Willie Mullins were left devastated as Gold Dancer was humanely euthanized after being inspected by racecourse vets. Eddie O'Leary, racing manager for owner Michael O’Leary, said, "Gold Dancer was put down after he broke his back. We are terribly sorry for the horse but what could Paul Townend do? It was only when he pulled up he realised something was up."
But there were happier scenes in the following races. Storming George, a 16/1 outsider, sprang a surprise in the Grade One Novices Hurdle, handing trainer Neil King his first ever Grade One success after three decades in the sport. King was visibly emotional, reflecting on years of hard work with a small stable. Jockey Jack Quinlan, celebrating his second career Grade One, was jubilant: "This is incredible! Neil has been a fabulous supporter of mine for a number of years, so to win this is absolutely mega!"
Meanwhile, Grey Dawning delivered a belated birthday present to trainer Dan Skelton, narrowly holding off Solness in the Grade One Melling Chase. Harry Skelton, who rode the winner, dedicated the victory to owner Robert Kirkland’s late wife, highlighting the emotional highs and lows that define the sport. The final Grade One of the day saw Zeus Power, ridden by JJ Slevin and trained by Joseph O’Brien, take the Sefton Novices Hurdle. O’Brien, who also saddles Banbridge and Jordans in Saturday’s Grand National, has the chance to make history as the first trainer to win both a Melbourne Cup and a Grand National.
As the dust settles on Ladies Day, anticipation is building for the 2026 Grand National. With young talents like Conor Stone-Walsh making headlines and seasoned trainers plotting their next moves, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in Aintree’s storied history. For now, Will The Wise’s victory stands as a testament to skill, determination, and the enduring allure of jump racing’s greatest stage.