Weekend Winners - Easter 2026

After a winning start to the flat campaign with both Aramram and Docklands landing at Doncaster, hopefully, we can carry that momentum into a big weekend of action across Ireland and the UK. With the Irish Grand National taking centre stage at Fairyhouse Racecourse, which saw Haiti Couleurs storm to victory 12 months ago, we may be in for another British-trained winner. Read below to see who could land the spoils:

Sat 2.30 Musselburgh – Virgin Bet Goliath Cup Stakes

A brand new race for 2026 sees the return of AL QAREEM (NAP), who enjoyed another excellent season in 2025 with four wins and several strong efforts at a higher level. He is a likeable front-running type who will look to get on with things from the outset and, although he may come on for this run, his class could see him take plenty of pegging back. Clifford Lee returns to the saddle following his injury setback over the winter, and it would be great to see him back in the winners' enclosure.

Mount Atlas looks the main danger and receives five pounds from the favourite. His yard has been in excellent form, and he arrives with the Champion Jockey booked, so he must be respected. He was produced late to win last time, and it will be interesting to see how that run style matches up against a likely strong pace set by Al Qareem. Many Men and Roaring Legend are two who could pick up the pieces if the principals go too hard early on.

Sat 3.42 Musselburgh – Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup Handicap

A typically competitive renewal of the sprint, and I’m going to take a chance on TROPICAL STORM bouncing back to his best. He showed some smart form last season, including a strong run at York off a similar mark, and if returning anywhere near that level, he is more than capable of winning a race such as this.

This sharp five furlongs places plenty of emphasis on early pace and position, but he has the speed to sit handy and travel strongly into the race. The obvious concern is his recent form and the fact that he may need this run, but at the price, he looks worth chancing in a wide-open contest. If he breaks well and gets into a rhythm early, he could be the one they all have to catch.

Sat 3.20 Haydock – Unibet Middle Distance Veterans' Handicap Chase

A competitive renewal of the series final at Haydock Park Racecourse, and I’m happy to side with GENOIS, who looks to be coming here in the right sort of form. Now a 10-year-old for Jonjo and A J O’Neill, he arrives on the back of a win at Exeter in March, where he stayed on well to score over a similar trip, building on a second at Wetherby earlier in the year.

Those recent runs suggest he is in good heart at the right time, which is often key in these series finals. He has plenty of experience, and since entering this type of company, he has looked very effective. The ground looks ideal, and this trip suits, so there are plenty of positives. There are others in here with solid claims, including Fugitif and Guard Your Dreams, but Genois looks the type to give another bold showing if reproducing that latest effort.

Mon 5.00 Fairyhouse – BoyleSports Irish Grand National

The Irish Grand National takes centre stage at Fairyhouse Racecourse, and I’m happy to side with THE JUKEBOX KID, who looks to have been building towards a race like this. Trained by Ben Pauling, he comes here on the back of a win at Ascot in February, following another solid effort at the same track in January, so his recent form reads well.

He won over three miles last time and stayed on strongly, shaping as though this step up to 3m5f will suit, and he runs here off a mark of 144, which looks workable for a progressive staying chaser. There are plenty in here with solid claims. Argento Boy represents Willie Mullins and arrives having competed in Grade 1 company at Cheltenham, while Search For Glory is another to note near the top of the weights after running well last time before unseating at a crucial stage. However, with his progressive profile and strong staying form, The Jukebox Kid looks the type to give a bold showing if seeing out the trip.