The BoyleSports Irish Grand National is scheduled to take place at Fairyhouse Racecourse on Monday, April 6, 2026. Recognized as the richest National Hunt race in Ireland, the event features a prize fund totaling €500,000.
The race is described as a marathon contest
and is considered one of the most challenging on the sporting calendar. Participants must navigate a stamina-sapping distance of 3 miles and 5 furlongs, which includes a total of 24 fences.
Race Format and Field Details
The 2026 renewal is a handicap chase that allows for a field of up to 30 runners. The weight assignments for the competing horses range from a minimum of 9st 12lb to the designated top weight.
A total of 45 horses currently hold entries for the event ahead of the final declarations. This list includes the following contenders:
- Better Days Ahead
- Search For Glory
- Argento Boy
- Joystick
- The Jukebox Kid
- Rushmount
- Yeah Man
- C’Est Ta Chance
- Flicker Of Hope
- Solider In Milan
- Monbeg Genius
- Shecouldbeanything
- Kiss Will
- Velvet Elvis
- One Big Bang
- Goraibhmaithagat
- Karis Des Blaises
- Better Times Ahead
- Hartur d’Arc
- Kurasso Blue
- The Enabler
- Duffle Coat
- O’Toole
- Sa Majeste
- Showurappreciation
- Western Walk
- Weveallbeencaught
- Born Braver
- Shanbally Kid
- Waterford Whispers
- Folly Master
- Newton Tornado
- Prends Garde A Toi
- The Lovely Man
Reporting indicates that up to five British-trained horses could be included in the final mix for the race on April 6, 2026.
Defending Champion and Contenders
Haiti Couleurs claimed the title in 2025 after traveling across the Irish Sea to win the contest. However, the horse, trained by Rebecca Curtis, will not defend the crown this term.
The decision to skip the Irish Grand National is due to the horse’s scheduled appearance in the equivalent event at Aintree.
Historical Context and Records
The Irish Grand National was first run in 1870, with the inaugural victory going to Sir Robert Peel. Since its inception, the race has established itself as a national institution in Ireland.
Brown Lad holds the record for the most successful horse in the history of the race. He secured three victories in 1975, 1976, and 1978 under the guidance of trainer Jim Dreaper.
In terms of jockey records, Pat Taaffe holds the most victories with six. His winning record includes notable rides aboard Arkle in 1964 and Flyingbolt in 1966.
Event Logistics and Viewing
The Irish Grand National is set to start at 17:00 on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Fairyhouse venue in Co. Meath.
Spectators can watch the race live through the following platforms:
- ITV1
- The Paddy Power website
- The Paddy Power mobile application