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Grand National 2026 Tips - Skelton's thriving mare worth backing for Aintree

jon-vine
Jon Vine
Editor
Last updated: Thu 19 Mar 2026 10:31
As the spotlight shifts to Aintree for the 2026 Grand National, Panic Attack emerges as a key contender. Trained by Dan Skelton, this mare has shown exceptional form this season, including a strong showing in the Cheltenham Festival. Despite coming up short against top-tier mares, her ability to thrive on various ground conditions and in handicaps makes her a formidable runner for the upcoming Grand National. At 25/1, Panic Attack offers great value and is expected to handle the extended distance effectively.
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Jon Vine 19 Mar 2026
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  • Ante-post tips for the 2026 Grand National
  • This famous handicap takes place at Aintree on April 11th
  • Panic Attack is our first selection at 25/1
Expired
panic attack
Harry Skelton riding Panic Attack clear the last to win The Alder Demain & Akers Mares' Chase at Newbury. (Getty)

Now that the Cheltenham Festival has come to an end, our attention turns to Aintree, where the Grand National will take place on April 11th.

I usually back three or four contenders in the world's most famous handicap. Here's my first ante-post selection for the 2026 Grand National.

2026 Grand National Tips - Panic Attack


Grangeclare West, I Am Maximus and Iroko were all beaten off lower marks in last year's Grand National. Jagwar is certainly a big danger, and Haiti Couleurs is a proven National winner. However, Jagwar's jumping can be a bit iffy, and good ground at Aintree might not see Haiti Couleurs to best effect.

The name that's stuck out to me for a while now is PANIC ATTACK (25/1). Dan Skelton's mare has been in the form of her life this season, and ran a lovely prep-race for Aintree at the Cheltenham Festival.

I backed Panic Attack in the Paddy Power Gold Cup earlier in the season, and was delighted when she claimed victory in that valuable handicap. I wasn't keen on her chances in the Coral Gold Cup, on the back of a mere two-week turnaround. Yet, Tristan Durrell's mount travelled comfortably behind the leaders throughout and strode six lengths clear after the final flight to win that famous handicap without being asked any serious questions. 

I did plenty right on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival, but in hindsight, I shouldn't have napped Panic Attack in the Mares' Chase. 11/4 was far too short a price to take on a handicapper in an open Grade Two, and Harry's mount came up short as Dinoblue held off Only By Night in the finish.

I'm sure Skelton will have been delighted with the way his mare travelled and jumped around Cheltenham. Panic Attack simply came up against two proper Grade One-quality mares, over a trip that was probably a little too sharp on fairly fast ground.

Back in handicap company at Aintree, Panic Attack should be much more effective. Harry Skelton can easily do 10-5, and it would be a big surprise if Skelton's ten-year-old didn't make the final field.

Grand National 2026 FAQs

When is the 2026 Grand National?

The Grand National takes place at Aintree on Saturday 11th April. The Grand National is due to start at 4:00pm, and will be shown live on ITV Racing.

What is the Grand National?

The Grand National is one of the most famous horse races in the world. First run at Aintree racecourse in 1839, this handicap steeplechase is run over a gruelling distance of 4 miles 2.5 furlongs, and has been won by legendary horses like Red Rum, Golden Miller and Tiger Roll.

Who will win the 2026 Grand National?

Nick Rockett beat I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West in the 2025 Grand National, and all three are fancied again. Dan Skelton's mare Panic Attack has won two big handicaps already this season, and travels to Aintree in tip top form.

Verdict

Panic Attack goes on all kinds of ground, is well-handicapped and I can't see the extended trip in the Grand National causing this classy mare any problems. 25/1 is far too big a price.
Best Bet1: Panic Attack 2026 Grand National Tips @25/1 at bet365 - 5 Units
Panic Attack
2026 Grand National Tips
@25/1 - 5 Units
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