There are few more exciting days on the sporting calendar than the Grand National. Racing fever typically takes over the United Kingdom and Ireland, while the eyes of the world are drawn to Aintree for the most famous race on the planet.
Finding the winner of the Merseyside showpiece is typically a testing affair, but there are a list of the smartest bet in horse racing: 4 strategies for success that can be examined ahead of next year’s renewal.
Not for the first time, it was all about the world’s best trainer in Liverpool this year, as Willie Mulllins crowned another memorable period with Nick Rockett coming out on top, with his son Patrick, gaining a first win in the race.
But, what is the bigger picture for the winner this year, and could he bet set to join a plethora of greats to win the National in successive years?
Mullins Domination Continues
The dominance enjoyed by Mullins on British soil is nothing new, and the signs were ominous just weeks before the National as the Irish maestro was crowned Leading Trainer at the Cheltenham Festival.
However, Nick Rockett was never the leading chance from the stable, as he was considered a massive 33/1 outsider at Aintree. Still, the scale of the Mullins dominance on British racing was reflected in the finishing result, as he saddled the first three home, as well as five of the top seven finishes.
Last year’s winner, I Am Maximus battled from top weight to take second, while Grangeclare West was also a big-priced selection to take third.
National Creates Problem in Bigger Picture
Grand National day was a humbling moment for Dan Skelton, as the long-time leader in the British Trainers’ Championship would have likely felt the walls caving in.
The prize money picked up by Mullins at Aintree meant that a second championship looked like a formality, and he would duly deliver on that promise after winning three races on finals day at Sandown.
While it is impossible to overlook the greatness of Mullins, it is also harrowing for the British racing picture that an Irish trainer, who typically only targets the major meets, was able to come out on top. Skelton was ultimately unfortunate to come up short in the race with the maestro, as his team was depleted in runners at Sandown, as he could only line up nine compared to the battalion of 21 runners from Closutton.
But, as Mullins acknowledged after winning the championship, the young trainer’s time will come.
Irish Dominance in National
The bleak picture of British racing was reflected before finals at Sandown, as it appeared many trainers were running scared of the Irish at the Grand National.
Few British runners featured predominantly in the betting for the Aintree showpiece, and the best finisher was Iroko, who was ultimately sent off favourite after a late surge of support.
However, the Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero runner was the only British runner to finish in the top nine. Big priced selections such as Twig, Beauport, and Bravemansgame completed the race, but all were well behind the runaway leaders.
The result means that Ireland have trained the winner of the National in each of the last two years, and six of the last seven. The only bright moment during that period came in the form of Lucinda Russell’s 2023 victory with Corach Rambler.
Nick Rockett a Standout Pick for National in 2026?
At just eight, Nick Rockett still looks to improving, which could be a damning sign for the outlook of the Grand National betting in 2026. The Mullins runner put a dominant two lengths between himself and I Am Maximus at the finishing line, and he achieved that despite carrying a lofty weight of 11-8.
Next year, he is likely to be carrying top weight for the race, but his progression ensures that he should be capable of running another huge race. His versatility also makes him challenging to oppose at this stage, as he has winning form across a variety of goings, including on heavy, soft, and good-to-soft.
However, plans for the recent National winner are still subject to change, and he could yet line up against Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin in Grade One company before the turn of the year.
Renewed British Hopes?
It is easy to argue that the Brits are long overdue a success in the National, and there will be a growing sense that 2026 could be the year. Iroko will come on from his effort in the race this year, while fascinating runners Kandoo Kid and Johnnywho could develop into National types.
Jagwar could the standout chance for the home team, winning the Plate Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March, which has been a crucial race for helping identify a potential future winner at Aintree.
