Date: Monday 6th April 2026
The Irish Grand National remains one of the toughest handicaps to solve all season, but unlike some of the UK equivalents, the long-term trends here are surprisingly consistent.
This is a race that strongly favours younger, progressive staying chasers carrying lighter weights. Horses aged 6-8, carrying 11-4 or less and sitting just below the very top of the handicap continue to dominate.
Using the Turf Talk approach, we are looking for unexposed stayers with enough class to compete, but not so much that they are burdened by the handicap. These are the three that come out best on the ratings.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Turf Talk Rating |
|---|---|
| Kiss Will | 228 |
| One Big Bang | 221 |
| Showurappreciation | 213 |
| The Jukebox Kid | 205 |
| Search For Glory | 198 |
The ratings heavily favour the lighter-weighted runners in the ideal age bracket, with several fitting the classic Irish National profile almost perfectly.
MAIN SELECTION
Kiss Will (8/1 available)
This is exactly the type that tends to win this race.
A 6-year-old with a manageable weight and still open to improvement, he fits the strongest trends almost perfectly. He has enough class to be competitive but is not yet exposed, which is often the key in a race like this.
In a handicap where the profile matters as much as the raw ability, he ticks more boxes than most.
BACKUP SELECTION 1
One Big Bang (14/1 available)
Another very solid trends fit and one that looks well positioned in the handicap.
He sits right in the ideal age and weight range and has the type of profile that suggests there could still be more to come. In a race where stamina and progression are key, he looks a major player.
BACKUP SELECTION 2
Showurappreciation (16/1 available)
A slightly bigger price, but another who fits the overall profile extremely well.
He is lightly weighted, experienced enough for the test, and comes into this with the right type of recent form. In a race that regularly throws up well-handicapped improvers, he looks the type to outrun his odds.
SUMMARY
Kiss Will is the standout trends selection and gets the vote, with One Big Bang a strong alternative and Showurappreciation another who fits the classic Irish Grand National profile at a bigger price.
