The 2026 BoyleSports Irish Grand National looks one of the strongest renewals in recent years, with a blend of Grade 1 performers and seasoned handicappers set to line up over Fairyhouse’s demanding 3m5f.
A total of 84 entries shows the depth on offer, but with a maximum field of just 30 runners allowed, plenty of well-fancied horses will not even make the cut. Even a quick look at the top of the handicap shows just how strong this year’s edition could be for horse racing fans.
There is an added layer to the puzzle. The Aintree Grand National sits just five days later, and several leading contenders, including Grangeclare West, Lecky Watson and Johnnywho, have that race as an alternative target.
That leaves ante-post punters trying to read not just the form, but the intentions of connections.
Willie Mullins once again has a strong hand, led by I Am Maximus, while Gordon Elliott counters with a deep squad including Gerri Colombe, Western Fold, Stellar Story and Better Days Ahead.
Add in proven names like Hewick and the 2024 winner Intense Raffles, and the strength in depth becomes clear.
Topweights: class at the head of affairs
I Am Maximus heads the weights on 11st 12lb and returns to Fairyhouse as a proven performer at this level. An Irish National winner earlier in his career, he has since developed into a high-class staying chaser, finishing second at Aintree last year and winning the Grand National in 2024. He sets the standard, though his presence is far from certain given Liverpool is an obvious option.
Grangeclare West brings a similar level of ability and arrives on the back of a strong win over Gerri Colombe at Fairyhouse in February. That effort over 3m2f suggested stamina will not be an issue, and his ability to travel and finish strongly makes him a major player if he lines up. Like his stablemate, the decision between Fairyhouse and Aintree will be key.
Gerri Colombe adds further depth at the top. Once seen as a Gold Cup contender, he has had a mixed campaign but showed plenty when second last time. Off 11st 5lb, he is well capable of making his mark in this company if returning to his best.
Progressive types in the middle
The middle of the handicap is packed with improving chasers who could be ahead of their marks. Western Fold stands out after showing high-class novice form and landing the Galway Plate. His profile suggests this trip will suit, and he looks odds on to stay at Fairyhouse rather than head elsewhere.
Stellar Story has been running consistently in strong company and shaped well in the same Fairyhouse trial won by Grangeclare West. A thorough stamina test looks ideal, and off 11st he remains open to improvement over this sort of distance.
Better Days Ahead is another with a solid staying profile. He ran well in last year’s race and has continued to hold his form this season. More experienced now and still fairly treated, he fits the mould of a horse who could step forward in a race like this.
Challengers and familiar names
Johnnywho comes here after winning the Ultima at Cheltenham and has already shown he handles big fields and long trips. He ran well in this race last year and returns as a stronger, more mature horse, though Aintree remains a likely alternative.
Lookaway arrives in good form after back-to-back wins at Kempton, including a convincing success over 3m. He is improving at the right time and could go well if taking to the track.
Then there is Hewick, recent runs suggest he still retains plenty of ability, and his current mark gives him a chance if things fall his way.
Course form and staying profiles
Course form often plays a big role in this race, and Intense Raffles has that in his favour after winning here in 2024. His form this season has been mixed, but he showed signs of a return when running in the key trial in February.
Now Is The Hour is another with a solid profile for this type of race, having won over 3m1f at Gowran before running well in stronger company. He handles big fields and stays well, which makes him one to keep in mind.
Stumptown, known for his cross-country form, has also proven his stamina over extended trips and brings valuable experience to a race that often rewards it.
Among the lighter weights, Blizzard Of Oz is an interesting runner. His recent hurdle win may have sharpened him up, and his chase form suggests he is capable of better than he has shown so far.
With final declarations still to come, and with only 30 places available in the line-up, this remains a race full of moving parts.
If enough of the leading names opt to stay at Fairyhouse rather than head to Aintree, the 2026 Irish Grand National could be one of the strongest and most competitive editions in recent memory.
