Weekend Winners - Aintree 2026

It’s the Randox Grand National Meeting, and as always, all eyes focus on the feature race on Saturday, watched all around the globe. However, there is plenty of action to get stuck into before that, so here are my thoughts on a few to keep an eye on over the next three days:

Thu 4.05 Aintree - William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1)

The final Grade 1 on Thursday looks like a proper contest once again, with several from the Champion Hurdle looking to bounce back in the absence of Lossiemouth. Brighterdaysahead confirmed she handles Cheltenham well when finishing second, and the step up in trip should suit her.

However, the extra distance could be ideal for THE NEW LION (NAP), who, in my opinion, has been crying out for it. He won the Turners last year, and it was a bold call to drop back into a Champion Hurdle, where he still ran with credit. This looks much more like his race, and he gets a strong vote. Alexei is an interesting contender who should be finishing strongly and will likely attract each-way support.

Fri 3.30 Aintree – JCB Melling Chase (Grade 1)

The Melling Chase looks a fascinating tactical contest, and it could play perfectly into the hands of SOLNESS. He is often at his most dangerous when allowed to dictate from the front, and around Aintree that can be a major asset if he gets into a rhythm. The return to quicker ground is firmly in his favour after a below-par effort on heavy ground last time, and this has clearly been his main target. In contrast, several of his key rivals arrive here off hard races at Cheltenham, and historically that can leave a mark, particularly at this meeting where fresher horses often hold the edge.

The step up in trip is a slight unknown, but he finishes his races over two miles strongly enough to suggest it should suit. If he is able to get into his usual rhythm out in front, he could prove very hard to peg back, and a bold showing looks likely from this tough and genuine front-runner.

Fri 4.40 Aintree – Oddschecker Sefton Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

It could be a fantastic afternoon for Joseph O'Brien, as ZEUS POWER looks to build on a hugely encouraging run at Cheltenham. He met significant trouble in the Turners and was still finishing strongly late on, outrunning his 50/1 odds. The step up to three miles looks firmly in his favour based on that effort, and a more straightforward passage here could see him take another step forward.

There are question marks around some of his main rivals. No Drama This End is a major worry back on quick ground, while Johnny’s Jury looked to need every yard of three miles at Cheltenham and may not be as well suited by Aintree’s flatter, sharper track. With conditions likely to suit and improvement expected over this longer trip, Zeus Power looks a strong contender to land this.

Sat 4.00 Aintree - Randox Grand National Handicap Chase

A full field and, as always, a fascinating contest. It may not be quite the test it once was, but it remains an incredible race. Willie Mullins, winning trainer in the last two years, is once again strongly represented with I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West, who finished second and third last year. Nick Rockett is an unfortunate absentee following his emotional win, so I am happy to take him on with JOHNNYWHO for the O’Neill team, with Richie McLernon back on board. McLernon came agonisingly close in this race on Sunnyhillboy when collared late by Neptune Collonges in a finish that still lives long in the memory. He gets the vote here, with Iroko capable of chasing him home and giving J.P. McManus a one-two in the biggest race in the world.