Horse Racing Tips

Five Each Way Fancies for the Grand National 2026

1 hour ago

| BY News Team

With just over two weeks until the biggest race of them all, the market is taking shape for the 2026 Grand National.

Bet on the NRMB Grand National 2026 market here with William Hill

William Hill are Non-Runner Money Back on the betting for the contest, so let’s take a look at some longer price options for the Aintree showpiece.

Nick Rockett – 20/1

The first horse of interest at an each way price is last year’s winner, Nick Rockett. He recorded a marquee success for Willie Mullins when leading home a 1-2-3 for the powerhouse Irish yard and he looks more than capable of recording consecutive victories in the race.

He was given a 5lb rise in the handicap for his victory in 2025. That doesn’t look as if it would have stopped him last season and he’s been given a good prep for the race, when last seen over a shorter trip at Down Royal, keeping on and hitting the line strong.

That will have put him spot on for another crack at Aintree. We know he has the class and ability to win the contest, and he looks a good each way bet at 20/1.

Captain Cody – 25/1

Another Willie Mullins horse to add to the list is the Scottish Grand National winner, Captain Cody.

He’s had a fragmented season since that success, finishing third in a novice chase to Romeo Coolio before never being nearer than seventh in a competitive handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Check out the latest horse racing betting odds with William Hill here

The run that caught the eye regarding the Grand National was the Thyestes at Gowran Park. He was well backed that day on heavy ground, suggesting the Mullins camp were confident with his stamina. He couldn’t show much after falling early but it was the weight of money that came for him that makes him of interest off an unchanged mark.

A sub-standard run followed in the Bobbyjo Chase, but that often suggests a spin at the National and he will get a chunk of weight off those who stepped forward on that day. He could be very well handicapped and is worth a bet at 25/1.

Lecky Watson – 33/1

Lecky Watson is another Mullins horse who could take a major step forward if contesting the Grand National.

Whilst his season up to date has left a lot to be desired, it has left the 2025 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase winner on a very fair mark if he can rediscover some of that form at Aintree.

Like we saw with Nick Rockett last season, Mullins’ horses go well at big prices, whether winning or hitting the frame. He requires a second look at the odds.

L’Homme Presse – 50/1

With L’Homme Presse, the NRMB concessions is important as there’s no guarantee he takes up his place in the Grand National.

However, the case for the eleven-year-old can be made. His most recent run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup was eye-catching with a view to this contest, where he stayed on up the run in despite losing touch completely three out.

There’s no guarantee that he will get the step up to the four-mile-two-furlong trip but he’s a classy, versatile type that jumps well. If he’s still on the premises turning for home, you’d like to be on the 50/1.

High Class Hero – 66/1

High Class Hero is another runner for Closutton that can’t be dismissed. At 66/1, he could look a big price if he turns up at Aintree.

He has the option of going to Fairyhouse for the Irish equivalent, but the NRMB offer negates that risk if he does choose to go elsewhere.

The one key piece of form that makes him most interesting is his third placed effort when running in the Premier Handicap at Sandown on season finale day. He was the pick of Paul Townend that day and went off well backed. He travelled well to the second last where he was untidy, putting him on the back foot which probably cost him the race.

However, he still managed to beat home stablemates Spanish Harlem and Grangeclare West, which looks strong form. Spanish Harlem had risen eight pounds in the handicap when falling at the last in the Thyestes where he looked to have the race wrapped up whilst Grangeclare West will undoubtedly be a warm order for the Grand National this time. 66/1 looks good value.