Grand National Festival 2026: Grand National Bets

We're here for the final day at Aintree and BettingLounge's racing expert Ben has gone through his three favourite bets for the big race of the day, the Grand National.

It is worth noting that we are not putting any tips forward for other races of the day here. Instead, there is a separate page for them.

So, let's just dive in.

🥇 Best Bet

It is not really a surprise to see Grangeclare West well backed in the market. Statistically, he is one of the best options for punters and there are several reasons for this.

As a 10-year-old trained and bred in Ireland, he already has a number of pointers in his favour, but with form over 3m 5f as well, things point heavily in his favour.

He came third in the National last year and won the Bobbyjo chase at Fairyhouse in February, where the race form into the National speaks for itself.

Additionally, Patrick Mullins is booked to ride him and given he won the National last season, you'd feel hopeful.

🥈 Next Best

I'm sticking with the Bobbyjo form for my Next Best and I think Gerri Colombe may be getting overlooked quite a bit. At 25/1 with the best horse racing bookmakers, you will be able to get enough places to make this more than value if nothing else.

It will be his first start in the race, which bodes well considering 15 of the last 17 winners won at the first time of asking. He jumps comfortably and should have the engine for the trip.

I'd be surprised if he didn't finish and think he has a great chance of defying his odds.

👀 Longshot

I'm almost doubling the odds for the third pick here and I think Firefox could have a decent chance of a place at the very least, even at 50/1.

His last two runs came in the Irish and Cheltenham Gold Cups, where he was never given more than an outside chance of winning. Finishing fourth and sixth, he never really challenged.

However, he was running against the best chasers that the English and Irish have to offer.

It's his first run in the race, which bodes well and eight-year-olds have great records, whilst he ticks a lot of the other boxes. I think there are many worse shouts for the race, certainly.

Good luck with your picks, and let us know if you back any of our selections on X @BetLoungeTips!