Our grand national tips and predictions have a proven track record. We’ve helped bettors identify winners such as Rule The World at 50/1 and even a placed horse at 100/1. These results demonstrate the value of expert analysis in one of horse racing’s most unpredictable events. We’ve compiled seven grand national betting tips for 2026, learning from the best horse racing tipsters and analysing each selection’s form and odds to help you make informed decisions on race day.
Tip #1: The Favourite’s Strong Form
Why This Horse Stands Out
I Am Maximus represents the classic Grand National favourite profile that punters should get into. Willie Mullins trained this gelding to victory in 2024, and he followed that triumph with a runner-up finish in 2025 despite carrying top weight. His familiarity with Aintree’s unique fences gives him an advantage that many contenders lack.
The horse showed Grade 1 credentials with a second-place finish at the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup in February and proved he knows how to compete at the highest level. This recent performance confirms he maintains the form needed to tackle Aintree’s marathon test. His connections have targeted this race for the second year running, which indicates their confidence in his capabilities.
Expert Analysis and Predictions
The Willie Mullins-trained runner faces the most important obstacles in his quest to regain the crown. He’s battling historical trends that work against him at 10 years old. A horse aged 10 or older has not won the Grand National since 2014. Beyond this age factor, he carries the top weight of 11th, 12 lbs for the second campaign running.
Historical data reveal that only 13 favourites have won the Grand National in the last 100 years. Six of those victories came in the last 20 years, with recent winners like Corach Rambler in 2023 and I Am Maximus himself in 2024. This pattern suggests favourites have improved their strike rate lately, with two consecutive favorites winning in 2023 and 2024.
The handicapper’s assessment places maximum burden on this runner, which reduces winning chances. His 2025 second-place finish while carrying the same weight shows his knowing how to handle the load. Multiple contenders from the Mullins stable, like Grangeclare West, create tactical considerations that could work in his favour or split the yard’s resources.
Betting Odds and Value
Current market positions show I Am Maximus trading at 10/1. This price reflects bookmaker concerns about the weight assignment and age profile. Tiger Roll went off at 4/1 when winning in 2019, while the most recent favourites won at 7/1.
The implied probability at 10/1 odds stands at 9.1%. Several bookmakers have him joint-favourite alongside Jagwar at similar prices, with Grangeclare West longer at 11/1. The betting market recognises his class and proven Aintree record while factoring in the weight penalty.
His odds represent fair value given his affinity for the course. Punters backing this selection get a proven winner at double-digit prices, which happens rarely with horses that have already conquered these fences. The price offers cushion against the weight concerns while respecting his Grade 1 form.
Each-Way Betting Strategy
Each-way betting provides optimal coverage for this selection due to the uncertainties around weight and age. An each-way wager splits your stake between the win and place portions. A £10 each-way bet costs £20 total.
With I Am Maximus at 10/1, a £10 each-way stake delivers different returns based on finishing position. The calculation breaks down as follows if he wins: £10 at 10/1 returns £100 plus your £10 stake on the win portion. The place portion pays at 1/4 odds (2.5/1) and returns £25 plus your £10 place stake. Total winnings reach £125 plus your original £20 stake returned.
You collect only on the place portion if he finishes in the first four places without winning. That £10 place bet at 2.5/1 returns £25 plus your £10 stake back, totalling £35. You lose the £10 win portion of your bet.
Most bookmakers pay four places on the Grand National at 1/4 odds as standard terms. Some operators extend this to five, six, or even seven places through special promotions. Check each-way terms before placing your bet, as bet365 offers an Each Way Extra option that allows up to 10 places at adjusted odds.
The each-way approach suits this horse well. His proven finishing in the frame, shown by consecutive top-two finishes, makes the place portion valuable insurance against the weight burden preventing outright victory.
Tip #2: The Each-Way Value Pick
Why This Horse Stands Out
Each-way betting accounts for roughly 75% of all Grand National wagers, and the strategy demands horses priced between 12/1 and 25/1 for optimal returns. Grangeclare West fits this profile. The Willie Mullins-trained runner offers genuine winning claims without carrying the burden of favouritism. His odds position him in the value zone where place returns justify the doubled stake structure.
The 2026 Grand National field dropped from 40 to 34 runners. This creates an 11.8% baseline probability for any horse to place in the top four. The calculation becomes more favourable when you think about completion rates. Between 15 and 20 horses finish the course. Four places from a field of 17 represent much better odds than the baseline suggests. Grangeclare West possesses the jumping ability and stamina credentials that increase his likelihood of staying upright through all 30 fences.
Ground conditions play a deciding role in his prospects. Value hunters should monitor weather forecasts, as soft ground transforms this runner into a serious contender. His form on testing surfaces surpasses many higher-ranked opponents. His connections have prepared him to chase the fitness required for Aintree’s marathon test.
Expert Analysis and Predictions
Successful Grand National contenders complete 3 to 4 runs over fences during the current season. Fitness matters more than winning form for this race. Grangeclare West meets this requirement and brings race sharpness without the physical toll of excessive campaigning. His prep schedule mirrors patterns seen in recent winners who balanced conditioning with freshness.
The trend towards Gold Cup-class horses targeting Aintree continues, yet proven marathon stamina remains non-negotiable. Haiti Couleurs exemplified this pattern with strong performances in staying chases before his Grand National bid. Horses demonstrating staying power across multiple distance tests show higher completion rates than those stepping up in trip for the first time.
Historical data shows that each-way selections must prioritise course completion probability above all else. Jumping issues, stamina doubts, or course inexperience raise the risk of failing to finish. Your each-way bet only pays when your horse completes the distance. Grangeclare West’s clean jumping record and proven stamina profile address these fundamental requirements before you think about his winning chances.
Betting Odds and Value
Current markets position Grangeclare West at 11/1, placing him just outside the joint-favourite bracket. This price sits at the lower end of the each-way sweet spot. The odds offer sufficient value for place returns while reflecting legitimate winning credentials. At 11/1 with standard 1/4 place terms, the place portion pays approximately 2.75/1.
Bookmakers compete on Grand National place terms. The table below shows 2026 offerings from major operators:
| Bookmaker | Places Paid | Odds Fraction |
|---|---|---|
| Betfred | 5 places | 1/5 odds |
| bet365 | 5 places | 1/5 odds |
| Paddy Power | 5 places | 1/5 odds |
| Coral | 4 places | 1/4 odds |
| Ladbrokes | 4 places | 1/4 odds |
The difference between 1/4 and 1/5 place terms matters at these odds. At 20/1 with 1/4 terms, place odds become 5/1, whereas 1/5 terms deliver only 4/1. Shop around before placing your wager, as extended place terms to five or six positions increase your collection probability without reducing place odds.
Each-Way Betting Strategy
Here’s how it works: a £10 each-way bet at 11/1 costs £20 total. If Grangeclare West wins, you collect £110 on the win portion plus your £10 stake. The place portion at 1/4 odds (2.75/1) returns £27.50 plus your £10 place stake. Total winnings reach £137.50 plus your £20 stake returned.
Should he finish second, third, or fourth without winning, you lose the £10 win portion but collect on the place bet. That £10 at 2.75/1 returns £27.50 plus your £10 stake back, totalling £37.50. Your net profit stands at £17.50 on the £20 investment. With five-place terms from select bookmakers, a fifth-place finish still delivers returns, though at the reduced 1/5 odds fraction.
Building your portfolio requires balancing conviction with diversification. Target 2 to 3 each-way bets on horses fitting the trend profile at 12/1 or longer. Each-way betting doubles your stake, so a £50 budget covers five £5 each-way bets rather than ten £5 win bets. I recommend prioritising horses with proven staying form and clean jumping records over speculative longshots lacking completion credentials.
Tip #3: The Proven Aintree Performer
Why This Horse Stands Out
Track familiarity separates contenders from pretenders at Aintree. Iroko brings proven experience over these unique fences and finished fourth in the 2025 Grand National. This JP McManus-owned runner has been on Aintree radars for some time and has built his credentials through strategic campaign planning.
His Aintree record extends beyond the National itself. After his Martin Pipe Conditional victory at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, he proved himself at the Grade 1 level when runner-up in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree. That performance offers a strong track suitability angle that bookmakers recognise in the current betting markets. The market strength reflects that he’s long looked the type to be campaigned with Aintree’s spring targets in mind.
Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero train the eight-year-old in Cheshire. He partners with jockey Jonjo O’Neill Jr, who guided him around safely last year. This continuity matters when navigating 30 fences over 4 miles, 2 furlongs. The combination knows what awaits them on race day.
Expert Analysis and Predictions
Here’s something people often overlook: carrying less weight transforms Grand National prospects. Iroko will be carrying 10lb fewer than last year’s winner Nick Rockett. This weight relief provides a big advantage over the marathon distance and could shave seconds off his finishing time compared to last year’s fourth-place effort.
His recent campaign produced mixed results that require examination. He began this season with an excellent second to The Jukebox Man on seasonal reappearance and followed with a convincing Ascot success over Firefox before Christmas. Despite these positives, he struggled to feature when finishing 12th in March’s Ultima Handicap at Cheltenham. That rare off day raises questions about his current form heading into Aintree.
Connections maintain confidence despite the Cheltenham disappointment, given his previous Aintree experience and stamina-making profile. Horses can bounce back from single poor runs, especially when you have venues where they’ve performed well previously. His profile is built around improving chase form and knowing how to travel strongly in big handicaps.
Betting Odds and Value
Current markets position Iroko at 12/1. Multiple bookmakers offer similar pricing and create consistency across platforms. This places him alongside Haiti Couleurs and Jagwar in the betting hierarchy, a touch longer than the 10/1 co-favourites.
He sits in the optimal each-way value zone discussed in our grand national betting tips at 12/1. The odds reflect bookmaker recognition of his proven Aintree credentials while factoring in the recent Cheltenham setback. His price represents a fair assessment of a horse with legitimate claims, but questions to answer about current form.
Each-Way Betting Strategy
Standard 1/4 place terms at 12/1 deliver place odds of 3/1. A £10 each-way stake costs £20 total. Should Iroko win, you collect £120 on the win portion plus £30 on the place portion, totaling £150 plus your £20 stake returned.
A placed finish without winning returns £30 plus your £10 place stake back, totalling £40. Your net profit stands at £20 on the £20 investment. His proven course-completing record makes the placement portion attractive. Track experience reduces the risk of jumping errors that eliminate so many Grand National runners before they reach the final fences.
His profile suits bettors who prioritise course form over recent results. The Cheltenham run can be forgiven as preparation rather than peak performance, with Aintree representing his season’s main goal all along.
Tip #4: The Handicapper’s Choice
Why This Horse Stands Out
Handicap analysis provides the quickest way to filter Grand National selections. Horses carrying between 10st 7lb and 11st 4lb have produced more winners than either extreme of the weight range. These runners combine sufficient class with manageable burdens. Panic Attack enters the 2026 Grand National carrying just 10st 5lb and positions herself within this historical sweet spot.
The past ten Grand Nationals saw only three winners carry more than 10st 13lb. Carrying extra pounds over four miles and thirty fences exhausts even class animals. Panic Attack avoids this pitfall and sneaks into the handicap with a featherweight assignment that gives her a legitimate advantage over higher-rated opponents.
Her autumn campaign delivered back-to-back victories in the Paddy Power and Coral Gold Cups. She proved her class again with a rock-solid third in the Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month after these Grade 3 successes. Harry Skelton takes the ride and brings tactical expertise to complement her consistent performances. She wants to become the first female winner since Nickel Coin in 1951.
Expert Analysis and Predictions
Historical patterns support horses in Panic Attack’s weight bracket. The handicapper has judged weights in the middle to upper-middle range correctly and created genuine winning opportunities. Better horses carrying excessive weight struggle with stamina drain. Bottom-weight runners often lack the quality to compete, whatever their advantage.
Her stamina credentials looked bottomless at Newbury. Her jumping has been spectacular throughout the winter campaign. This marathon trip represents uncharted territory for the ten-year-old, but her recent form suggests she possesses the engine to handle the step up in distance. She maintained remarkable consistency across multiple Grade races without suffering falls or unseating her jockey, a point often overlooked.
Eight of the last ten winners were 8 or 9 years old. Panic Attack falls outside this preferred age bracket at ten years old. Pineau De Re broke this trend when winning at 11 years old in 2014, though. Her weight advantage potentially compensates for the age factor, especially when you have her recent career-best performances.
Betting Odds and Value
Current market price Panic Attack at 20/1. This generous assessment reflects bookmaker uncertainty about her stamina reserves over the extended distance. The odds position her beyond the joint-favourites, trading at 10/1 through 12/1 and create value for bettors who prioritise handicap analysis over market sentiment.
She fits the historical profile of Grand National winners at 20/1. The average odds of a winning horse stand around 20/1. Her price reflects a fair assessment of an improving mare with proven form, but distance questions to answer. Bookmakers recognise her class while discounting her claims based on trip concerns.
Each-Way Betting Strategy
Standard 1/4 place terms at 20/1 deliver place odds of 5/1. A £10 each-way stake costs £20 total. Should she win, you collect £200 on the win portion plus £50 on the place portion and a total of £250, plus your £20 stake returned.
A placed finish returns £50 plus your £10 place stake back and totals £60. Your net profit reaches £40 on the £20 investment. Her consistency throughout the season reduces the risk of non-completion and makes the place portion attractive for handicap-focused selections carrying optimal weights.
Tip #5: The Trainer-Jockey Combination
Why This Horse Stands Out
Professional partnerships between trainers and jockeys often determine Grand National outcomes more than individual brilliance. Haiti Couleurs brings this advantage with champion jockey Sean Bowen aboard, trained by Rebecca Curtis. This combination targets a historic treble. They have already secured victories in both the Welsh and Irish Grand Nationals. A hat-trick at Aintree would cement their place in racing history.
The qualification standards for Grand National jockeys reveal why partnerships matter. Riders must accumulate at least 15 winners under rules in Britain or Ireland, with 10 of those victories coming over fences. Every jockey lining up possesses genuine expertise because these requirements ensure it. Bowen exceeds these minimums by considerable margins and brings championship-level experience to Curtis’s Aintree campaign.
Expert Analysis and Predictions
Retained riders contracted to specific owners or stables are the foundations of Grand National success. These long-term relationships build understanding between horse, jockey and trainer, that are a great way to get insight when navigating Aintree’s unique challenges. Most Grand National-winning jockeys owe their chances to these professional partnerships.
Historical data support this pattern. Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead exemplified partnership success at the time they landed the 2021 Grand National with Minella Times. Both heaped praise on each other after the victory and highlighted how their formidable Cheltenham Festival partnership translated to Aintree glory. Willie Mullins trained four of the first five finishers in a recent edition. This demonstrates how yard strength amplifies individual horse chances.
Curtis and Bowen understand Haiti Couleurs’ quirks and capabilities through their Welsh and Irish victories. This familiarity becomes critical during the race. Split-second decisions determine whether a horse clears fences cleanly or makes costly mistakes at that moment.
Betting Odds and Value
Current markets price Haiti Couleurs at 12/1 and position him alongside Iroko and Jagwar in the betting hierarchy. This assessment reflects bookmaker recognition of his stamina credentials. Bookmakers question whether his previous National wins translate to Aintree’s stiffer test. The odds offer fair value for a proven stayer with championship jockey navigation.
Each-Way Betting Strategy
Standard 1/4 place terms at 12/1 deliver place odds of 3/1. A £10 each-way stake costs £20 total. Should he complete the treble, you collect £120 on the win portion plus £30 on the place portion. This totals £150 plus your £20 stake returned.
A placed finish without winning returns £30 plus your £10 place stake back and totals £40. The trainer-jockey combination’s proven knowledge of how to prepare horses for National-style tests makes the place portion attractive for bettors. Those prioritising partnership synergy over raw odds will find value here.
Tip #6: The Improving Young Contender
Why This Horse Stands Out
Progressive form curves identify Grand National value better than static ratings. Jagwar exemplifies this principle through his Cheltenham Festival performances. The Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero-trained runner won the TrustATrader Plate at the 2025 Festival before finishing second in the 2026 Ultima Handicap Chase over 3m1f. This upward trajectory matters because the Ultima has acted as a springboard to Aintree success time and again.
His profile is built around improving chase form and knowing how to travel strongly in big handicaps. Horses showing consistent improvement through quality races often peak at Aintree rather than earlier in the season. His connections have campaigned him with strategy, building experience in competitive fields that mirror Grand National conditions.
Expert Analysis and Predictions
Age analysis supports younger, improving runners. Most winners fall between 8-11 years old and bring a balance of youth and racing experience. Seven-year-old Noble Yeats became a young Grand National winner four years ago, and three horses of the same age are entered this year. Jagwar fits within this optimal age bracket and avoids the stamina concerns that plague older runners carrying top weights.
The Ultima’s significance as a trial race is clear. His second-place finish confirms he can handle pressure, traffic and a sustained gallop in a big-field handicap, which is the environment the National creates. Bookmaker assessments positioned him among serious contenders rather than speculative outsiders after this performance.
Betting Odds and Value
Current market price Jagwar at 12/1. This assessment reflects his progressive profile while acknowledging he lacks direct Aintree experience. The odds position him similarly to Haiti Couleurs and Iroko and create parity among horses with different credential types. His price offers value for bettors prioritising improvement curves over proven course form.
Each-Way Betting Strategy
Standard 1/4 place terms at 12/1 deliver place odds of 3/1. A £10 each-way stake costs £20 total. Should his improvement continue to Aintree, you collect £120 on the win portion plus £30 on the place portion, totalling £150 plus your £20 stake returned. A placed finish returns £30 plus your £10 place stake back, totalling £40. Progressive horses carry momentum that translates well to each-way betting, as their upward form curves increase placement probability even if outright victory proves elusive.
Tip #7: The Long-Shot Outsider
Why This Horse Stands Out
Longshot selections require different analysis than analysing favourites. Stellar Story brings specific credentials that justify his outsider status while offering each-way value. Gordon Elliott’s charge finished third to Grangeclare West in the Bobbyjo Chase, but he was still contending between the final two fences. The handicapper’s assessment gives him a stone-and-a-half better off at Aintree compared to that Bobbyjo performance.
This weight swing transforms competitive dynamics. Horses receiving weight relief often outperform market expectations, especially when they’ve shown staying power in previous outings. Elliott understands Aintree’s demands. He trained Tiger Roll to dual victories.
Expert Analysis and Predictions
Historical data reveals longshots win more frequently than many realise. Aurora’s Encore powered to victory at 66/1 in 2013, while Mon Mome returned 100/1 in 2009. In fact, Noble Yeats started at 80/1 before going off at 50/1 when winning in 2022. These results prove that huge prices reflect bookmaker uncertainty rather than true winning probability at times.
The Grand National field size alone makes this the hardest race to pick the winner of in the entire sport, with 30 obstacles facing 34 runners. Finding value becomes possible at extended odds. The odds do not reflect horses’ true chances of winning, and every year several dark horses outperform the odds.
Betting Odds and Value
Stellar Story trades around 33/1 to 40/1 depending on the bookmaker. The average odds of Grand National winners stand around 20/1, but six of the last eight winners were well-fancied at 14/1 or lower. His pricing reflects outsider status while avoiding lottery-ticket territory beyond 50/1.
Each-Way Betting Strategy
At 33/1 with standard 1/4 place terms, place odds become approximately 8/1. Bookmakers offering extra places to five, six, or seven positions boost outsider value substantially. A £10 each-way bet costs £20 total. Should he place without winning, you collect £80 plus your £10 place stake back, totaling £90 for net profit of £70.
Comparison Table: 7 Best Grand National Tips for 2026
| Tip | Name | Trainer | Jockey | Current Odds | Age | Weight | Key Credentials | Each-Way Place Odds (1/4 terms) | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tip #1: The Favorite’s Strong Form | I Am Maximus | Willie Mullins | Not mentioned | 10/1 | 10 years | 11st 12lbs | Won 2024 Grand National; 2nd in 2025; 2nd in Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1) | 2.5/1 | Established Aintree winner with course experience and Grade 1 credentials |
| Tip #2: The Each-Way Value Pick | Grangeclare West | Willie Mullins | Not mentioned | 11/1 | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Strong form on soft ground; optimal each-way price range | 2.75/1 | Sits in optimal each-way value zone (12/1-25/1); excels on soft ground |
| Tip #3: The Proven Aintree Performer | Iroko | Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | Jonjo O’Neill Jr | 12/1 | 8 years | 10lb less than 2025 winner | 4th in 2025 Grand National; 2nd in Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree; Won Martin Pipe at Cheltenham 2023 | 3/1 | Established Aintree experience; carrying much less weight than last year |
| Tip #4: The Handicapper’s Choice | Panic Attack | Not mentioned | Harry Skelton | 20/1 | 10 years | 10st 5lbs | Won Paddy Power & Coral Gold Cups; 3rd in Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham Festival | 5/1 | Optimal handicap weight (10st 5lbs); consistent Grade 3 winner |
| Tip #5: The Trainer-Jockey Combination | Haiti Couleurs | Rebecca Curtis | Sean Bowen | 12/1 | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Won Welsh and Irish Grand Nationals; targeting historic treble | 3/1 | Championship trainer-jockey partnership; established in Welsh & Irish Nationals |
| Tip #6: The Improving Young Contender | Jagwar | Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | Not mentioned | 12/1 | Within 8-11 optimal range | Not mentioned | Won TrustATrader Plate at 2025 Cheltenham; 2nd in 2026 Ultima Handicap Chase | 3/1 | Progressive form curve; strong Cheltenham Festival performances |
| Tip #7: The Long-Shot Outsider | Stellar Story | Gordon Elliott | Not mentioned | 33/1 to 40/1 | Not mentioned | Stone-and-a-half better off than Bobbyjo Chase | 3rd in Bobbyjo Chase to Grangeclare West; trained by dual Tiger Roll winner Gordon Elliott | 8/1 (at 33/1) | Substantial weight relief from handicapper; trained by established Grand National winner |
Note: Each-way place odds calculated at standard 1/4 terms for four places. Some bookmakers offer better terms (1/5 odds for 5+ places).
Conclusion
Just to repeat, our seven grand national tips for 2026 cover selections in the betting spectrum, from favourites to longshots. The analysis shows that each-way betting provides the best coverage for this unpredictable race, especially when you have bookmakers offering extended place terms.
You don’t need to back all seven selections to find success. Pick two or three horses that match your betting style and budget. I recommend combining an Aintree performer with an each-way value selection for balanced coverage.
The Grand National rewards research more than blind luck. Study the form and compare the odds. Shop around for the best each-way terms before race day arrives.
Good luck with your selections!
FAQs
Q1. What makes each-way betting a good strategy for the Grand National? Each-way betting is particularly valuable for the Grand National because approximately 75% of all wagers use this approach. It splits your stake between win and place portions, with most bookmakers paying out on the first four finishers at 1/4 odds. Given that only 15-20 horses typically complete the course out of 34 runners, and the race’s unpredictable nature, each-way bets provide insurance against your selection finishing in the top positions without winning outright.
Q2. What weight range historically produces the most Grand National winners? Horses carrying between 10st 7lb and 11st 4lb have produced more Grand National winners than those at either extreme of the weight range. Only three winners in the past ten years carried more than 10st 13lb. The physical demand of carrying excessive weight over four miles and thirty fences significantly impacts performance, making mid-range weight assignments optimal for success.
Q3. How important is previous Aintree experience for Grand National contenders? Previous Aintree experience provides a significant advantage in the Grand National. Horses familiar with the unique fences and course layout demonstrate higher completion rates and better finishing positions. Track experience helps horses navigate the 30 obstacles more confidently and reduces the risk of jumping errors that eliminate many first-time runners before reaching the final fences.
Q4. What age range is most successful in the Grand National? Eight of the last ten Grand National winners were either 8 or 9 years old, making this the optimal age bracket. Most successful contenders fall between 8-11 years old, balancing youth with racing experience. Horses aged 10 or older face historical disadvantages, with no horse in this age group winning since 2014, though exceptions like Pineau De Re (11 years old in 2014) occasionally break this trend.
Q5. How do trainer-jockey partnerships influence Grand National success? Professional trainer-jockey partnerships significantly impact Grand National outcomes through long-term understanding between horse, jockey, and trainer. Retained riders who regularly work with specific stables develop crucial familiarity with their horses’ capabilities and quirks. This relationship proves invaluable when making split-second decisions during the race, as demonstrated by successful combinations like Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead winning with Minella Times in 2021.