The BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse is fast approaching. A field of 30 runners and riders will go to post for the race at 5.00pm on Easter Monday.
Where to Watch the Irish Grand National
The 2026 BoyleSports Irish Grand National will be shown live on ITV and Racing TV in Britain. It will also be broadcast on RTE2 in Ireland at 5.00pm on Monday.
Key Runners and Odds
Here’s a look at some of the runners, their trainers, jockeys, and forecast odds:
- Horse: [Unnamed] Trainer: Gordon Elliott, Jockey: Rob James (7), Forecast odds: 16-1
- Horse: [Unnamed] Trainer: Gordon Elliott, Jockey: James Smith (5), Forecast odds: 16-1
- Horse: [Unnamed] Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Sean O’Keeffe, Forecast odds: 10-1
- Horse: [Unnamed] Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Brian Hayes, Forecast odds: 40-1
- Horse: [Unnamed] Trainer: Ben Pauling, Jockey: Ben Jones, Forecast odds: 6-1f
- Horse: [Unnamed] Trainer: Alan O’Sullivan (7), Jockey: Jonathan Sweeney, Forecast odds: 40-1
Insight on the Runners
One runner won two small-field Grade 2 chases at Navan last season. They also finished third in the Brown Advisory. Last year, they faded from three out when sixth behind Haiti Couleurs in this race. They ran in two small-field races at Navan in February. A rider’s claim takes some of the sting from their hefty burden. This runner is one of six for the stable.
Another runner was disputing the lead when unseating at the last in the Ultima at Cheltenham. This was a fine effort after a failure in the Thyestes at Gowran. If none the worse for the Cheltenham experience, they have a clear chance based on their second placing in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown.
One horse made amends for a fall on chasing debut with wins in a beginners’ event at Punchestown in December and Naas Grade 3 in January. They struggled in the Brown Advisory on ground that was probably too lively. This runner is one of seven for the stable.
Another contender showed big improvement on their third chase start when beating Slade Steel at Navan in January. They were out of their depth in the Brown Advisory. This runner is 15lb higher than their hurdles mark and not attractively handicapped.
An Irish point winner in 2024, one runner won on the first of two starts over hurdles last season. They made a winning chase debut at Carlisle in November. After suffering a reverse at Cheltenham, they made amends with two 3m Ascot wins, in a handicap and the Grade 2 Reynoldstown. They are a good jumper with considerable potential for improvement.
One horse has all three wins at Thurles. They improved to win a handicap there in December, and the form has worked out well. This runner is back in their comfort zone after an ambitious run in the Brown Advisory.
One runner won the 2024 Grand National Trial at Haydock and placed in the last two editions of the.
With the 2026 Grand National almost here, fans can prepare with insight offered by Racing Post+.