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2026 Irish Grand National Tips - Odds, trends and two selections for Fairyhouse

jon-vine
Jon Vine
Editor
Last updated: Sat 04 Apr 2026 12:23
The 2026 Irish Grand National is set to captivate racing enthusiasts with a mix of illustrious history and exciting new challengers. Prominent novices such as The Jukebox Kid and Argento Boy head the betting favorites, but attention is also drawn to rising stars like C'Est Ta Chance and Waterford Whispers. Historical trends highlight the strength of right-handed winners and novices, making the race strategically intriguing. With various contenders showing potential in previous meets, the event promises exhilarating competition, highlighting the dynamic nature of Ireland’s famed steeplechase.
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Jon Vine 04 Apr 2026
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  • We've published our guide to the 2026 Irish Grand National
  • This historic handicap will take place on Easter Monday at Fairyhouse
  • C'Est Ta Chance and Waterford Whispers are our two selections
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fairyhouse racecourse
Fairyhouse racecourse. (Getty)

The card at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday is headlined by the Irish Grand National. This historic handicap was first run at Fairyhouse in 1870, and has been won by legends like Bobbyjo, Desert Orchid and - the greatest of all time - Arkle during its long, illustrious history.

We've taken a look through the current Irish Grand National field and listed some key trends, before picking out our best betting tips.

2026 Irish Grand National Odds


Name
Odds
The Jukebox Kid8/1
Argento Boy10/1
C'Est Ta Chance14/1
Soldier In Milan14/1
Holloway Queen14/1
Kiss Will16/1
Bar20/1

2026 Irish Grand National Trends


  • 16 of the last 18 winners had won going right-handed
  • 16 of the last 18 winners had won over at least three miles
  • 16 of the last 18 winners had run at least three times that season
  • 15 of the last 18 winners carried 10-13 or less
  • 15 of the last 18 winners had run within the last 54 days
  • 15 of the last 18 winners were first or second-season chasers
  • 14 of the last 18 winners had won that season
  • 14 of the last 18 winners had won at least twice over fences
  • 13 of the last 18 winners went off at 12/1 or longer 
  • 13 of the last 18 winners did not win on their last start
  • 13 of the last 18 winners were aged seven, eight or nine

The Irish Grand National has become a race for novices in recent years, and first-season chasers dominate the market again. Ben Pauling nominated the Irish Grand National as a target for The Jukebox Kid after his Grade Two victory in the Reynoldstown, and there isn't much rain due in the build-up to Monday's feature, which should suit the British challengers.

Willie Mullins looks set to run a handful of challengers, including Brown Advisory Novices' Chase eighth Argento Boy. Emmet Mullins has been training Solider In Milan for the Irish National all season. National Hunt Chase winner Holloway Queen, and Ladbrokes Trophy winner Lookaway will bolster the British challenge.

2026 Irish Grand National Ante-Post Tip - C'Est Ta Chance


I've already backed C'EST TA CHANCE (14/1) at 20/1, and I'm not surprised to see that Willie Mullins' novice has been backed towards the head of the market.

A fairly middle-of-the-road novice hurdler, C'Est Ta Chance has taken his game to a new level since being switched to fences. Willie Mullins' seven-year-old ran OK on his first couple of starts over the winter, before getting off the mark with a perfectly-timed late challenge at Gowran Park, where he beat stablemates Funiculi Funicula and King Alexander, along with Soldier In Milan.

With Paul Townend in the saddle, C'Est Ta Chance ran out a comfortable winner of the Pierce Molony Memorial Chase on the weekend before the Cheltenham Festival. Townend had to stoke his mount up on the final bend at Thurles, but C'Est Ta Chance responded well, forging five lengths clear of some decent rivals after another sound leap at the last.

Once again, Soldier In Milan finished behind C'Est Ta Chance at Thurles, and Emmet Mullins' charge has won himself since. Willie's seven-year-old has been rated the same as Soldier Of Milan at 142, despite clocking an RPR of 151 when beating that rival by seven lengths.

C'Est Ta Chance is bred to stay, he's proven on all kinds of ground and both of his wins over fences have come going right-handed. With JJ Slevin banned, the excellent Danny Mullins will jump into C'Est Ta Chance's saddle. He's handicapped well enough to challenge.

2026 Irish Grand National Tip 2 - Waterford Whispers


Another novice worth noting further down the market is WATERFORD WHISPERS (33/1). Henry De Bromhead's eight-year-old was backed off the boards going into the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival, but was given a bit too much to do by Alan O'Sullivan and could only stay on to finish eighth.

Waterford Whispers went into that handicap on the back of a narrow defeat at the Dublin Racing Festival, where he finished just a length behind Backmersackme in third. De Bromhead's eight-year-old ran well off a mark of 137 at Cheltenham, in a race where nothing really got involved from off the pace.

Henry De Bromhead's horses haven't been in particularly good form of late, but they usually come good in the spring. Waterford Whispers has produced his two best performances over fences since being stepped up in trip, and he's been overlooked in the market despite a perfectly reasonable showing at the Cheltenham Festival.

Live Stream


Visit our Irish Grand National Live Stream if you plan on watching this historic handicap via a mobile or tablet.

Irish Grand National 2026 FAQs

What is the Irish Grand National?

The Irish Grand National is Ireland’s most famous National Hunt steeplechase. It is run every Easter Monday at Fairyhouse Racecourse and is considered the Irish equivalent of the English Grand National.

When is the Irish Grand National in 2026?

The 2026 Irish Grand National takes place on Monday, 6th April 2026. This race takes place on the final day of Fairyhouse's Easter Festival, and is due to start at 5:00pm.

Who will win the 2026 Irish Grand National?

Novices have an excellent recent record, so it's no surprise to see The Jukebox Kid and Argento Boy at the top of the betting. C'Est Ta Chance and Waterford Whispers have impressed during their first seasons over fences, and both enter with strong chances.

Where can I watch the 2026 Irish Grand National?

The Irish Grand National will be shown live on ITV Racing and RTE on Easter Monday. Visit our website if you want to stream the race live via a mobile or tablet.

Verdict

C'Est Ta Chance and Waterford Whispers are our two selections in the 2026 Irish Grand National.

2023 Irish Grand National Tip 1: C'Est Ta Chance E/W 2026 Irish Grand National @14/1 at BOYLE Sports - 5 Units
Best Bet2: Blaze The Way E/W 2026 Irish Grand National @33/1 at bet365 - 5 Units
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