The numbers
The Irish Grand National takes place at Fairyhouse on Monday, April 6, 2026, with the race starting at 17:00. This prestigious event boasts a substantial prize pot of €500,000, making it one of the richest races on the Irish calendar.
With 30 declared runners and 3 reserves, the competition is expected to be fierce. Among the contenders, The Jukebox Kid has emerged as the favorite, while Kiss Will, trained by the renowned Willie Mullins, is also a strong contender in the betting markets.
Runners will face the challenge of negotiating 24 fences over a distance of 3 miles and 5 furlongs, testing both speed and agility. Soldier In Milan, who finished fourth in the Grade 3 Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase, is another horse to watch closely, as is Argento Boy, who placed eighth in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Another intriguing entry is C’est Ta Chance, who aims to complete a hat-trick in this race, adding to the excitement surrounding the event. The previous year’s winner, Haiti Couleurs, will not be defending their title, leaving the field open for a new champion.
Fans can catch the action live on paddypower.com, the Paddy Power app, or ITV1, ensuring that the thrilling atmosphere of the race is accessible to a wide audience.
As the date approaches, observers are keen to see how the horses will perform, particularly in light of their previous races and training. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the Irish Grand National 2026 promises to be an unforgettable event for racing enthusiasts.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineup or conditions leading up to the race.