Irish Grand National Runners 2026: 30 go to post in Fairyhouse test

A maximum field of 30 Irish Grand National runners are set to go to post at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday at 17:00. The betting is headed by the Ben Pauling-trained Jukebox Kid at 6/1 with Betfred, who are paying each-way on the first SIX home, an extra two places. 

Amazingly, Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins has only won this race twice, most recently with subsequent England Grand National winner I Am Maximus, who incidentally is the favourite for the Aintree showpiece on Saturday. Mullins has seven entries in Monday’s race, and we take a look at each of the runners in racecard order with our pinstickers guide to the Irish Grand National.

Irish Grand National Odds

2026 Irish Grand National – Runners, Jockeys & Trainers

Ground: Soft-yielding to soft in places. Odds correct at the time of publication.

1. Better Days Ahead – Rob James (7) – Gordon Elliott

Second on last start at Navan, given too much to do that day, but it wasn’t a particularly hard ride. Goes on any ground but is suited to a decent surface. Top weight, but jockey Rob James claims 7lbs. 14/1.

2. Search For Glory – James Smith (5) – Gordon Elliott

Going well when unseating the rider in the Ultima at Cheltenham last time. Likes a bit of cut in the ground, finished in midfield in this race last year, 4 lbs higher this year, but the jockey claims 5. 20/1.

3. Argento Boy – Sean O’Keeffe – Willie Mullins

Well-beaten in a Grade 1 Novice chase at Cheltenham last time out on ground that wouldn’t have suited. More of his thing here, and capable of showing more on handicap debut for leading yard. 9/1.

4. Joystick – Bryan Hayes – Gordon Elliott

Another well-beaten in the same novice contest at Cheltenham as his stablemate. Acts with cut in the ground, another who is progressing and first outing in a handicap. 33/1.

5. The Jukebox Kid – Ben Jones – Ben Pauling

Favourite for the race at the time of writing. English-raider won a Grade 2 novice chase at Ascot the last day; he’ll likely take it up from the front. The market is positive. 13/2.

6. Rushmount – Mr Alan O’Sullivan (7) – Jonathan Sweeney

Looks up against it here based on price and effort in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham last time out. Amateur jockey claims 7lbs. 40/1.

7. Yeah Man – Keith O’Donaghue – Gavin Cromwell

Ran over hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival and is an inconsistent sort over fences. Stable has been struggling for form and priced accordingly. 25/1.

8. C’est Ta Chance – Danny Mullins - Willie Mullins

Winner of a Grade 3 at Thurles by 5 lengths last time out. He’ll have to prove his stamina here, but a progressive sort for powerhouse connections. 11/1.

9. Flicker Of Hope – Michael Kenneally (5) - Mark Fahey

Progressive but needs to show more now in handicap company. May need more than a flicker of hope to feature here, jockey claims 5lbs. 16/1.

10. Soldier In Milan – Donagh Meyler – Emmet Mullins

Conditions could suit here. 15/2.

11. Monbeg Genius – Jonjo O’Neill Jr. – Jonjo O’Neill

English-raider who was third in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last time out. Unreliable sort, but will stay the trip and should go on the ground. 16/1.

12. Shecouldbeanything – Jack Kennedy – Gordon Elliott

Ran well in this race 12 months ago but surely suited to quicker ground than we’ll see here on Monday. 22/1.

13. Kiss Will – Paul Townend – Willie Mullins

Yet to win over fences, but eye-catching jockey-booking in Paul Townend. Will relish the longer trip and is sure to be a popular selection with punters. 13/2.

14. Velvet Elvis – Alex Harvey – John McConnell

Great name, has course form but pulled up in last two starts this season. Will likely make the running. 80/1.

15. One Big Bang – Sean Bowen - James Bowen

Third place in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham last month. Hasn’t finished outside the first three in his four starts this season, top jockey in the saddle. 12/1.

16. Goraibhmaithagat – Harry Cobden – Colm Murphy

Commentators' nightmare, eye-catching jockey booking, stiff tests, and the step up in trip may suit here. 14/1.

17. Karia Des Blaises – Anna McGuinness (7)  - Willie Mullins

Winner of a Listed contest last time out, she takes a massive step up in trip here, with Anna McGuinness claiming 7lbs. 25/1.

18. Better Times Ahead – Simon Torrens – Robert Tyner

Two wins in four starts this season; effective in these conditions and a consistent chaser who won well here over 3m6f back in November. 16/1.

19. Hartur D’Arc – Sean Flanagan - John McConnell

Well below form this season. 66/1.

20. Kurasso Blue – Jordan Gainford - Gordon Elliott

Pulled up at Cheltenham last time out; had been progressive before that, will go on the ground, but the trip is a question mark. 28/1.

21. The Enabler – Danny Gilligan – Gordon Elliott

Sixth in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham on his last start. Amazingly only the one Irish National win for Gordon Elliott; the novice has been consistent but question marks over the trip. 25/1.

22. Duffle Coat - Josh Williamson (5) - Gordon Elliott

Pulled up in this race 12 months ago and not shown a bunch of form since then. Jockey claims 5 lbs. 50/1.

23. O’Toole - James Bowen - Stuart Crawford

Won a Listed contest on his last start with first-time cheekpieces. Acts on the ground but stamina will be key here. Remains off a fair mark here despite 6lbs rise. 28/1.

24. Sa Majeste - Aidan Kelly - Willie Mullins

Third in the Leinster National last time out. Pulled up in this race last year, but goes on the ground. 28/1.

25. Showurappreciation - Mark Walsh - Jonathan Sweeney

Winner of his last three races, progressive sort who can go well here in conditions he’ll relish. 12/1.

26. Western Walk - Daniel King - Jonathan Sweeney

Having a consistent season, but this looks like a tough task off a low mark. 40/1.

27. Wevallbeencaught - Patrick O’Brien (5) - Eric McNamara

In good form for a new year, but would prefer a quicker surface here. Finished 7th in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last time. Paddy O’Brien claims 5lbs. 33/1.

28. Born Braver - Eoghan Finegan (7) - Gavin Cromwell

Winner last time out but raised 8lbs here. Jockey claims 7lbs, but the ground would be a question mark. 28/1.

29. Shanbally Kid - John Shinnick - Willie Mullins

Conditions will suit, usually races off the pace and could pick them off at a big price for top yard. 33/1.

30. Waterfield Whispers - Darragh O’Keefe - Henry De Bromhead

Last in. Well beaten in the Kim Muir the last day; stamina being a big doubt here. 16/1.

Reserves:

31. The Lovely Man - Conor Stone-Walsh - Gavin Cromwell 
32. Folly Master - Phillip Enright - Tom Dreaper
33. Uhavemeinstiches - Reserve 3 - James Motherway

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