Grand National predictions might as well be worth their weight in gold. The race’s history shows all but one favourite has failed to win over the last 25 years. Every April, countless punters face this epic challenge.
Nothing quite matches the spectacle of the Grand National. The race features 34 runners who compete fiercely over four miles and two and a half furlongs at Aintree. The prize money is a big deal as it means that £1 million, making it one of racing’s most prestigious events. Competitors must navigate 30 challenging jumps across two circuits, while roughly 600 million viewers tune in from 140 countries worldwide.
These compelling factors led me to gather insights from 13 of racing’s most successful tipsters for 2026. Their analysis covers everything from defending champion I Am Maximus to promising longshots. The original entry list shows 78 potential contenders, though only 34 will ultimately compete.
Expert Grand National ante-post tips can give you an edge with your betting, regardless of your experience level. Let’s head over to these tipsters’ predictions and understand why their insights could make all the difference.
Andy Holding
Racing experts recognise Andy Holding as “The pundit’s pundit,” and he has earned his reputation as one of racing’s most thorough analysts. His Grand National predictions stem from his self-produced speed figures, which serious punters now regard as legendary.
Andy Holding’s top Grand National tip
Andy Holding backs IROKO with confidence as his main pick at 14-1 odds (1-point win). He also likes MONBEG GENIUS at 33-1 (½ point win) as his backup choice. Most tipsters spread their bets among several runners, but Holding’s focused approach shows his strong belief in these carefully picked horses.
Holding had his eye on Inothewayurthinkin as a possible contender. However, trainer Gavin Cromwell’s recent words gave him pause: “I wouldn’t say he was a certain runner at this stage, and we’ll look at other options for him”.
Why Andy Holding picked this horse
Iroko stands out with several key traits that make him perfect for the Grand National. Holding describes him as “a genuine Grade 1 performer with low mileage”. He sees great promise in the horse and believes there’s a “strong possibility he will improve substantially for a throughout test over an extreme trip”.
Holding’s analysis reveals that Iroko “has all the requisite attributes needed for a modern-day National winner”. This insight comes from years spent studying race patterns and watching the Grand National evolve.
Andy Holding’s Grand National track record
Results speak volumes about Holding’s expertise as an elite tipster. He achieved 146 points in profit from January to November 2024. His method relies on his own speed figures and sectional times, which he creates meticulously for every UK and Irish racing meet, both Flat and Jumps.
Holding has spent over three decades perfecting his user-friendly speed ratings system. He works together with Sam Turner—better known to many as Robin Goodfellow from his 17-year stint at the Daily Mail.
Speed figures serve as the foundation of his selections: “Our speed figures are always the starting point for my selections”. His analytical approach has earned him spots on William Hill Radio and a successful column at Oddschecker. Readers and listeners value his deep knowledge of form.
Steve Ryder
Steve Ryder has helped punters make profits consistently since he joined the Oddschecker team in 2021. His analytical approach and deep racing knowledge make him stand out in grand national predictions.
Steve Ryder’s top Grand National tip
Steve made two smart picks at the time of the 2025 Grand National that highlighted his methodical analysis. He chose Vanillier as his main selection, a gray horse that showed it could handle Aintree’s unique challenges. This became a vital part of his selection process.
His second pick was Beauport. He picked two horses because falls and unseated riders happen often in the Grand National. This strategy gives bettors more value for their money.
Why Steve Ryder picked this horse
Steve picked Vanillier after getting a full picture of what makes a Grand National winner successful. He looks at several important factors before making his predictions:
- Historical trends that point to potential winners
- How well horses carry weight
- Past runs at Aintree
- Jumping skills
- Stamina is needed for the tough 4-mile-plus course
This organised way of working shows why many consider him one of the best Grand National tipsters. He explores deeply into details that set Grand National winners apart from other horses.
Steve Ryder’s Grand National track record
Steve built his reputation on results that speak for themselves. He reached his peak in 2022 with a soaring win of +139.58 points. He also creates complete guides that break down all 34 Grand National contenders.
Over the last several years, right after the Cheltenham Festival in March 2025, he turned his attention to the Aintree race. His commitment to detailed analysis has made him one of the most trusted free racing tipsters accessible to more people.
Steve posts his daily picks around 8:30 am on the Oddschecker site, usually betting 1-2 points. Each selection comes with detailed previews that explain his thinking, not just the tips.
Katie Midwinter
Katie Midwinter has climbed faster through the ranks of respected tipsters and brings a fresh point of view to Grand National predictions. The 26-year-old supply teacher from North Wales won the prestigious 2023 Tipstar: Search for a Broadcaster competition at Kempton. She has since become a trusted voice in racing circles.
Katie Midwinter’s top Grand National tip
Katie stands out for her detailed way of analysing the Grand National field. She uses a clear five-star rating system for major races that emphasises her strongest selections for punters. This simple approach helps casual racing fans who might place bets only once a year on the Grand National.
Her detailed analysis covers every runner in the field and gives punters the full picture instead of just focusing on favourites. She shares daily betting tips throughout the three-day Aintree festival. These range from 11/4 favourites to 20/1 longshots, which shows she can find value at different price points.
Why Katie Midwinter picked this horse
Katie excels at finding horses that have “gone under punters’ radars”. Her knack for spotting overlooked contenders has become her signature style, which often leads to big-priced winners that other analysts completely miss.
She blends what she learns from the Cheltenham Festival into her picks and watches carefully for horses that might succeed in the Grand National. She goes beyond simple analysis to create a complete 1-2-3-4-5 prediction for the race. This shows she understands how the challenging 4-mile course affects different runners.
Katie Midwinter’s Grand National track record
Katie may be new to the national stage, but she’s earned respect in the tipster community quicker than anyone expected. Her lifelong passion for racing has helped turn her Tipstar victory into regular appearances across prominent platforms throughout 2024 and 2025.
Katie’s detailed knowledge of both Flat and National Hunt racing makes her special. She actively covers British and Irish racing instead of focusing on just one area. This gives her an edge during the varied three-day Grand National meeting. She combines her teaching background with racing expertise to make her analysis available to newcomers while keeping enough depth for serious punters.
Kevin Blake
Kevin Blake brings an insider’s viewpoint to grand national predictions with hands-on experience in many aspects of horse racing. His unique background blends roles as Joseph O’Brien’s race planner, successful breeder, and award-winning racing analyst.
Kevin Blake’s top Grand National tip
Blake has backed Stumptown with confidence as his main pick to the 2026 Grand National. “Stumptown is my top pick. He ticks all the boxes for a Grand National winner,” Blake stated firmly. His methodical approach to the 2025 race led him to identify Corach Rambler as “the best selection to win the Randox 2026 Grand National” at odds of 12-1.
Perceval Legallois has “the perfect profile for Aintree” according to Blake. He sees Vanillier as “a live contender” and points out that “Vanillier’s form over long distances is rock-solid”. Mrs H.M. Keaveney’s grey horse finished second in the 2023 Grand National.
Why Kevin Blake picked this horse
Blake’s picks come from his analytical method that looks at vital attributes needed to win the Grand National. He prefers “young, improving” chasers who have proven themselves in tough handicaps. His strategy shows that horses carrying reasonable weights tend to do better than their more experienced rivals.
Ground conditions play a significant role in his analysis. He pointed out how Minella Cocooner’s win on “good ground when winning the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown” made him perfect for Aintree. Blake rates horses on a practical 1-5 star system, and his top selection earned all 5 stars.
Kevin Blake’s Grand National track record
Blake stands out as one of the best Grand National tipsters through his detailed analysis. The 37-year-old uses his experience as a racehorse breeder and owner effectively, having achieved Group 1 success with horses like Al Riffa.
His professional work includes roles as a racing pundit for ITV Racing, Sky Sports Racing, and At The Races. The Horserace Writers & Photographers Association named him Specialist Writer of the Year in 2019.
Blake works as a race planning consultant for top trainer Joseph O’Brien, where he focuses on “accumulating high-quality information” to stay “a couple of steps ahead at all times”. This exceptional experience definitely helps him spot Grand National winners.
Joe Norris (GYTO)
Crowned ‘Best Sports Betting Tipster’ in 2023, Joe Norris has become a powerful voice in Grand National predictions with his analytical approach to racing. He co-founded GetYourTipsOut (GYTO) in 2009 with Dave Potter, creating a platform that offers daily sports betting tips and specialises in horse racing.
Joe Norris’s top Grand National tip
Major racing events like the Grand National bring out the best in Joe Norris, where his analytical skills truly shine. His recent racing tips have shown his expertise on tracks and conditions of all types. His selections have included promising contenders like Silver State (10/11) and Bearwith (11/2) at Newcastle, with longer-priced opportunities like Doughmore Bay (8/1) at Haydock and John Barbour (8/1) at Ascot.
All the same, Norris stands out for his talent to spot early value in ante-post markets, which creates profitable betting opportunities for his followers.
Why Joe Norris picked this horse
Norris’s betting strategy centres on giving analytical predictions. He takes a deep dive into statistical data, form guides, and other key factors to back his tips with solid research. His Grand National approach breaks down races in detail to help punters make smart choices for this challenging event.
He delivers premium betting tips that work for casual punters and serious bettors alike. Every day by 9 a.m., Norris shares at least one free UK racing tip on his platform and explains his reasoning behind each pick.
Joe Norris’s Grand National track record
Norris brings more to the table than just tips. His consistent record of profitable betting tips has made him one of the UK sports betting industry’s top experts. His impressive success rate in horse racing shows his expertise and reliability as a tipster.
Where to find his grand national predictions:
- GetYourTipsOut website – his main platform
- Oddschecker – where he shares predictions regularly
- Twitter/X – @JoeNorrisGYTO
- TalkSPORT – where he appears to share betting insights
Ruby Walsh
Ruby Walsh, a two-time Grand National winner, shares his Grand National predictions backed by his unmatched racing experience. This legendary Irish jockey’s career boasts over 2,500 victories, making him the third most successful jockey in British and Irish history.
Ruby Walsh’s top Grand National tip
We focused on strategic positioning during the race. His core advice for jockeys taking on the massive Aintree challenge comes down to three basic principles:
- Find open space away from the pack
- Avoid getting trapped on the inside track
- Keep a steady pace early in the race
“I always lined up where the majority weren’t. If 22 bunched up on the inside I went away from them, because space helps you win a Grand National,” explains Walsh. His analysis shows that rushing early gives no edge—in fact, all but one of the horses who led at Becher’s Brook (sixth fence) since 2012 ended up finishing outside the top three.
Why Ruby Walsh picked this horse
Walsh picks horses that know how to handle Aintree’s unique challenges. He combines tactical awareness with horse evaluation and notes: “There’s not an exact way to ride the race but going fast early doesn’t help, getting into tight groups lessens your chances too”.
He stresses the importance of each horse’s jumping skills under pressure. His selections showcase horses with superior stamina and jumping ability—qualities that helped him win both his Grand National victories.
Ruby Walsh’s Grand National track record
Walsh won the Grand National twice—first with Papillon in 2000 and again riding Hedgehunter in 2005. His love for the race runs deep, and he sees it as “probably still ‘the one'” that means more than even the Gold Cup.
Walsh’s father Ted, played a huge role in his success. “To be there in 2000 and ride the winner of the Grand National for dad, that was the greatest moment of my career”. His Grand National journey spans 10 races, with his last ride on Pleasant Company finishing 9th in 2017.
The race still holds a special place in his heart: “It’s such a big day… such an atmosphere—it is a special day for jockeys to partake in”.
David Yates
David Yates, known as “Newsboy” in racing circles, has been making grand national predictions since he joined the Mirror newspaper in May 2002. His career spans roles at Timeform, the Racing Post, and At The Races.
David Yates’s top Grand National tip
Yates has backed Perceval Legallois with confidence as his main pick for the 2026 Grand National. His ranked predictions place I Am Maximus second, with Duffle Coat, Minella Cocooner, Beauport, and Hewick completing his top six.
Why David Yates picked this horse
Yates believes that “the key to National glory is timing – the knack of reaching your peak when it matters most”. The eight-year-old Perceval Legallois comes to Aintree with “the perfect profile”.
The horse’s experience shows promise. Yates notes: “Although he won just one of his four starts as a novice chaser last season – he fell twice – Perceval Legallois is putting it together now”.
The practical racing factors look favourable. “His British Horseracing Authority rating of 153 means Perceval Legallois carries 11st 12lb weight – a manageable weight”. The horse’s previous jumping concerns seem resolved now.
David Yates’s Grand National track record
Mirror Sport’s chief racing correspondent provides detailed analysis for major racing events. His background adds valuable insights to grand national tips and predictions.
His experience in racing journalism spans many years. He observes that “the famous fences are not the formidable obstacles of yesteryear”, which reflects his deep understanding of the race’s evolution.
John Hunt
BBC Radio 5 Live’s John Hunt gives exceptional insights about Grand National predictions based on his years of broadcasting experience. His commentary expertise helps him spot potential winners at Aintree.
John Hunt’s top Grand National tip
Hunt picked Perceval Legallois as his main choice to win the Grand National. His prediction includes a strong group of four horses with Iroko (second), Hewick (third), and Threeunderthrufive (fourth). This selection shows Hunt’s full picture of the field rather than just looking at favourites.
Why John Hunt picked this horse
Hunt’s selection reflects his deep knowledge of racing history and trainer performance. “Gavin Cromwell attempts to become one of only a handful of trainers to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National in the same season,” Hunt explained on BBC Sport.
Hunt believes that “Perceval Legallois comes here a fresh horse and has all the talent required to win a National”. His assessment considered Cromwell’s other horses (Stumptown and Vanillier), but he stayed confident that Perceval Legallois had the best mix of freshness and natural talent.
John Hunt’s Grand National track record
Hunt’s role as BBC Radio 5 Live’s racing commentator has earned him respect for his clear and insightful analysis during major racing festivals. His voice has become a fixture at Aintree’s iconic race, and he gives expert Grand National tips to millions of listeners across the country.
Mick Fitzgerald
Mick Fitzgerald, a former Grand National winner and current ITV racing pundit, brings his unique experience to his Grand National predictions. His spectacular win on Rough Quest in 1996 left such an impression that he titled his autobiography “Better Than Sex”.
Mick Fitzgerald’s top Grand National tip
Fitzgerald has made a bold prediction for the 2026 Grand National by selecting IROKO (8-1) as his main pick. His top four include I AM MAXIMUS (9-1), MINELLA INDO (33-1), and HEWICK (10-1). He explains that “one of the speciality bets is JP McManus to win the race” since the owner’s horses Iroko and I Am Maximus stand as strong contenders in the betting.
Why Mick Fitzgerald picked this horse
A full picture of the form guides Fitzgerald’s selection. Iroko caught his attention after finishing second to Inothewayurthinkin – the Gold Cup winner. He points out that “the drier the ground, the better it is for Hewick’s chance”. The 12-year-old Minella Indo made his list despite the odds, as Fitzgerald believes “the stats are going against him, but he’s got the class, and I can see him arriving there with every chance”.
Mick Fitzgerald’s Grand National track record
Fitzgerald’s National career extends beyond his famous 1996 victory. From his 13 rides, he completed the course just twice, with a ninth-place finish on Kingsmark in 2004. His racing career ended tragically in 2008 when L’Ami fell at the first fence, causing him career-ending spinal injuries. His impressive tally of over 1,250 winners led him to a successful career change as a respected ITV Racing analyst.
Tom Collins
Tom Collins stands out as a racing tipster with remarkable betting wins. His achievements include a 77/1 treble at Cheltenham and a 50/1 winner at Aintree. These wins have made him a trusted voice in Grand National predictions.
Tom Collins’s top Grand National tip
Iroko (8/1) leads Collins’s picks as his main selection. His other top choices include Grangeclare West (20/1), Intense Raffles (8/1), and last year’s champion I Am Maximus (9/1). Owner JP McManus’s position looks especially strong with both Iroko and I Am Maximus as his “two main horses in the field”.
Why Tom Collins picked this horse
Collins sees Iroko as “the young gun on the scene” and believes he’s “unexposed and ready to run a big race after a couple of rides that haven’t seen him at his best”. His assessment of Grangeclare West points to a horse that’s “completely unexposed with only 11 starts and five victories”. The defending champion, I Am Maximus, brings proven experience: “He won the race last year so we know he handles the track, the trip and conditions of the National”.
Tom Collins’s Grand National track record
Collins’s career shows his keen eye for value consistently. His success at Aintree with a 50/1 winner came before his Cheltenham triumph. Five key areas shape his selection process. His expertise shines through past predictions, like spotting Escaria Ten as having “all the characteristics needed to win”. This shows his deep understanding of what makes a Grand National champion.
Sean Boyce
Sky Sports racing analyst Sean Boyce bases his Grand National predictions on analytical insights. He scrutinises historical form and handicapping figures with precision.
Sean Boyce’s top Grand National tip
Sean Boyce has picked Intense Raffles (8/1) as his main choice to win the Grand National. His predictions place Iroko (8/1) second, Beauport (25/1) third, with outsider Hitman (100/1) completing his top four selections.
Why Sean Boyce picked this horse
“Just so obviously the pick in this race,” says Boyce about Intense Raffles. He notes the horse is “five or six pounds well-in and an impressive Irish National winner”. The historical form shows promise – “going back to September 2021, Intense Raffles beat Iroko in an AQPS race at Auteuil” and Boyce believes “that will happen again”. Hitman’s chances look interesting too. Boyce notes there’s a “big question mark over his stamina, but he’s a big price for a horse of his quality and he doesn’t know how to run a bad race”.
Sean Boyce’s Grand National track record
This prominent Sky Sports racing analyst provides detailed assessments at major racing festivals. His analytical approach helps identify strong contenders by evaluating course suitability, weights, and historical form patterns.
Supercomputer Prediction
AI now leads the Grand National prediction scene, using math and data where traditional experts rely on gut feel and experience.
Supercomputer’s top Grand National tip
AI systems have analysed the 2026 Grand National field with different results. The Slingo Grand National Supercomputer shows Intense Raffles has an 11.4% chance to win. The grandnational.org.uk supercomputer agrees and ranks Intense Raffles highest with a 0.867 similarity score. BoyleSports’ algorithm takes a different view after 1,000 simulations and puts Stumptown first with an 11.5% chance to win.
Why did the algorithm pick this horse?
These smart systems look at winning patterns from decades of data. The Slingo model studies data since 1992 and includes each horse’s age, origin country, betting position, trainer details, and race distance performance. The grandnational.org.uk’s algorithm looks at key factors such as:
- Career falls and current season falls
- Wins over 4 miles and 3 miles
- Previous runs over National fences
- Age and weight carried
Supercomputer’s Grand National prediction accuracy
These systems help bettors find good value by comparing calculated win chances against bookmaker odds. Intense Raffles’ odds suggested a 6.7% chance to win, while the computer calculated 11.4% – showing a 4.7% value advantage. The systems are realistic, though. They know that even top-rated horses rarely win, giving their best picks less than 12% chance of victory.
Bob Champion
Bob Champion, a Grand National legend, shares his racing predictions based on his remarkable personal journey. His 1981 Grand National victory on Aldaniti stands as one of racing’s most inspiring stories, which he achieved while battling testicular cancer.
Bob Champion’s top Grand National tip
Bob Champion strongly backs Stumptown as his pick for 2026. He shared his choice with a simple explanation: “Stumptown, jumps, stays and will keep galloping”. These three qualities are the foundations of success at Aintree’s challenging course.
Why Bob Champion picked this horse
His choice comes from knowing that endurance matters more than speed at Aintree. He managed to keep this belief throughout his career – a horse needs stamina and jumping skills to win the National. “You keep jumping, you win Nationals,” he once said, and this wisdom clearly shows in his choice of Stumptown.
Bob Champion’s Grand National track record
Bob’s view comes from real experience. His 1981 win on Aldaniti became a racing legend after both horse and jockey beat what seemed like career-ending setbacks. Their amazing story won them the BBC Sports Personality Team Award that year. The win led him to start The Bob Champion Cancer Trust, and he later walked 191 miles for charity to mark 40 years since his victory. His journey ended up inspiring the 1984 film “Champions” with John Hurt.
Comparison Table
| Tipster | Primary Selection | Odds | Secondary Selection | Notable Reasoning | Track Record/Credentials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andy Holding | Iroko | 14-1 | Monbeg Genius (33-1) | “A genuine Grade 1 performer with low mileage” | 146 points profit Jan-Nov 2024 |
| Steve Ryder | Vanillier | Not mentioned | Beauport | Won the 1996 Grand National on Rough Quest | +139.58 points profit in 2022 |
| Katie Midwinter | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Spots horses that fly beneath the radar | Champion of 2023 Tipstar competition |
| Kevin Blake | Stumptown | Not mentioned | Perceval Legallois | Prefers “young, improving” chasers | Race planning consultant for Joseph O’Brien |
| Joe Norris (GYTO) | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Makes informed predictions | ‘Best Sports Betting Tipster’ 2023 |
| Ruby Walsh | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Values race positioning and balanced pace | Two-time Grand National winner |
| David Yates | Perceval Legallois | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Values perfect timing and profile match | Mirror’s chief racing correspondent |
| John Hunt | Perceval Legallois | Not mentioned | Iroko | Shows talent and comes in fresh | BBC Radio 5 Live racing commentator |
| Mick Fitzgerald | Iroko | 8-1 | I Am Maximus (9-1) | Proven against Gold Cup winner | Proven against the Gold Cup winner |
| Tom Collins | Iroko | 8-1 | Grangeclare West (20-1) | “Young gun on the scene” | Notable 77/1 Cheltenham treble winner |
| Sean Boyce | Intense Raffles | 8-1 | Iroko (8-1) | “Five or six pounds well-in” | Sky Sports racing analyst |
| Supercomputer | Intense Raffles | Not mentioned | Stumptown | 11.4% chance of success | Analysis based on data since 1992 |
| Bob Champion | Stumptown | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | “Jumps, stays and will keep galloping” | 1981 Grand National winning jockey |
Conclusion
The expert Grand National predictions reveal several horses that shine above the rest. Multiple tipsters, including Andy Holding, Mick Fitzgerald, and Tom Collins, back Iroko as their top pick, which makes it a strong contender without doubt. David Yates and John Hunt put their faith in Perceval Legallois, while Sean Boyce and the Supercomputer prediction support Intense Raffles.
Each tipster brings their own unique approach to making selections. Andy Holding bases his picks on his own speed figures, while Ruby Walsh looks at strategic positioning during races. Young, improving chasers catch Kevin Blake’s eye, and Bob Champion looks for horses that “jump, stay, and keep galloping.”
Weight plays a crucial role in these predictions. Horses carrying lighter weights tend to perform better than their heavily-weighted competitors on Aintree’s demanding four-mile course. Previous experience at the venue proves valuable, though many experts don’t see it as essential.
These predictions highlight the Grand National’s unpredictable nature. Despite each tipster’s compelling arguments, they’ve identified at least six different potential winners. This diversity explains why the race captivates roughly 600 million viewers across 140 countries each April.
You could follow Andy Holding’s detailed speed figures, Ruby Walsh’s tactical knowledge, or the supercomputer’s calculations. Note that anything can happen in the Grand National. A single horse will conquer the 30 jumps and four-plus miles at Aintree, and picking that winner adds to this race’s magic.
The 2026 Grand National beckons, so think about these expert insights but trust your gut too. This iconic race’s beauty lies beyond winning – it’s about the thrill that both jockeys and punters experience.
FAQs
Q1. Who are some of the top tipsters for the Grand National? Some highly regarded Grand National tipsters include Andy Holding, Kevin Blake, Ruby Walsh, and Mick Fitzgerald. Each brings unique insights based on their experience and analytical approaches.
Q2. How do tipsters choose their Grand National selections? Tipsters use various methods, including analysing form, weight-carrying ability, course experience, and jumping proficiency. Some, like Andy Holding, use proprietary speed figures, while others, like Ruby Walsh, emphasise race strategy.
Q3. Are AI predictions reliable for the Grand National? AI and supercomputer predictions are becoming increasingly popular. They analyse vast amounts of historical data to identify patterns. While they offer an interesting perspective, they should be considered alongside expert human analysis.
Q4. What factors are most important when picking a Grand National winner? Key factors include stamina, jumping ability, weight carried, recent form, and experience over long distances or at Aintree. Many tipsters also consider the horse’s age and the trainer’s track record in the race.
Q5. How accurate are Grand National predictions typically? Given the unpredictable nature of the Grand National, with its large field and challenging course, even expert predictions are far from guaranteed. Most tipsters acknowledge that their top picks usually have less than a 12% chance of winning outright.