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Grand National 2026 Tips - Classy Irish raider worth backing at big price

jon-vine
Jon Vine
Editor
Last updated: Wed 08 Apr 2026 16:03
The 2026 Grand National at Aintree is fast approaching, and racing enthusiasts are keen to identify the strongest contenders. With recent form and ground conditions playing a pivotal role, Jimmy Mangan's Spillane's Tower emerges as a highlight. The Grade One winner's prospects hinge on softer ground, which, if materialized, could make the current 33/1 odds look highly attractive. Meanwhile, Panic Attack's initial odds have improved, showcasing the dynamic nature of betting markets as anticipation builds for the iconic race.
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Jon Vine 08 Apr 2026
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  • Ante-post tips for the 2026 Grand National
  • This famous handicap takes place at Aintree on April 11th
  • Spillane's Tower is our second selection at 33/1
spillane's tower
Spillane's Tower (left) overpriced in Aintree betting. (Getty)

Here's our second ante-post selection for the Grand National, which takes place at Aintree on April 11th.

The Irish Grand National might only be days away, but I've been looking at the British National again this morning. Here's my second ante-post selection for the 2026 Grand National.

2026 Grand National Tips - Spillane's Tower


Panic Attack was my first selection for the 2026 Grand National, and the 25/1 we took in the week after the Cheltenham Festival now seems like excellent value, as she's been cut into a general 16/1 shot.

Dan Skelton's mare must have an excellent chance with just 10-5 on her back. However, since the famous fences were thinned out and became less daunting, the classier horses towards the head of the weights have an excellent record.

Last season, the first three passed the post carried 11-8, 11-12 and 11-8. In 2024, the first four across the line all carried upwards of 11-2. Horses carrying 11-8, 11-9 and 11-11 placed in the two previews years. Proven class counts for plenty in this new, easier version of the Grand National.

With that in mind, SPILLANE'S TOWER (33/1) has to be overpriced in the current market. Jimmy Mangan's star  is a two-time Grade One winner, was only beaten a neck by Fact To File in the 2024 John Durkan, and was last seen winning the Grade Two Cotswold Chase on Trials Day at Cheltenham.

Spillane's Tower endured a tricky start to the season, and even had a couple of spins over hurdles during the winter. Back over fences at Cheltenham, Mangan's raider jumped beautifully and kept on well to beat the plucky L'Homme Presse to land that prestigious Grade Two.

Many were tipping Spillane's Tower to go close in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on the back of that performance. Mangan's eight-year-old could have been backed at 12/1 for that prestigious Grade One, before fast ground on the final day of the Festival forced Mangan to pull his star from the contest.

The ground at Aintree could be a problem too. Mangan will only run his prized asset of the going is suitably soft. There is some rain in the long-term forecast, and there is a chance we could get soft ground for the Grand National Festival. If that is the case, then Spillane's Tower would be a massive, massive player on his handicap debut off 11-8.

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?

I Am Maximus is the favourite for this year's Grand National. Another runner for JP McManus is Spillane's Tower, who is a proven Grade One winner with strong seasonal form. If there's some juice in the ground, he'll run well.

Verdict

Spillane's Tower is a proven Grade One winner, who won a Grade Two on his most recent start. Jimmy Mangan's star needs the ground to be good-to-soft at least, but if it does come up in his favour, then 33/1 will be a distant memory.
Best Bet1: Spillane's Tower 2026 Grand National Tips @33/1 at bet365 - 5 Units
Spillane's Tower
2026 Grand National Tips
@33/1 - 5 Units
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