Racing Weekly: Horse Racing news round-up - April 13th 2026

Races Now's Harry Fowler keeps you abreast of all the key talking points in British horse racing with his new Racing Weekly column.

Aintree 2026 Grand National meeting review

In my preview, I said I was somewhat disappointed by some of the racing on offer in this year's Grand National meeting, but it certainly played out better than expected.

Having been on course for all three days, as well as the four-day Cheltenham Festival last month, I feel like the vibes were hugely positive overall and it's left me feeling optimistic about where jumps racing stands right now in this ever-changing world.

Brigherdaysahead lights up dramatic Thursday

The very first race of the three-day Merseyside showpiece, the Juvenile Hurdle, reminded us how this meeting works. Being the typical fresh horse who skipped Cheltenham seemed to do Mange Tout major favours, overturning the form of the Dublin Racing Festival with Selma De Vary to win the opener.

The Manifesto was all about Lulamba, but he unseated Nico de Boinville, and it does make you wonder about this horse going forward now. Two disappointing festival runs raise the question of how good he actually is. You'd certainly be a brave soul taking it at odds-on quotes for future assignments.

One short priced favourite beaten, and in the very next race the same trainer and jockey combination had Jango Baie. Thankfully for Nicky Henderson and De Boinville, he was a comfortable winner – admittedly helped by Impaire Et Passe falling two out. It will be interesting to see how the winner can progress next season, with another go at the Gold Cup surely on the agenda.

At this point, there simply has to be a mention for Barton Snow doing the Foxhunters Cheltenham and Aintree double. He has not really been asked for everything (well, barely anything) yet and could be an interesting one in open company. A very intriguing contender next term wherever he pitches up.

The feature race of day one was taken by Brighterdaysahead.

It has been no secret to regular readers how much I admire this mare, and she certainly showed once again how good she is. The New Lion made a mistake at the last and, while it made it easier for the winner, I personally think she would have won regardless.

Gold Dancer tragedy mars Friday action

Day two’s big races started in a tragic manner, as Gold Dancer, the winner of the Mildmay, sadly passed away after the line following a mistake at the last.

It was a horrible few moments, but no blame can be put Paul Townend’s way to my eye. The horse looked fine until he eased down, then it became apparent something was wrong and the jockey dismounted swiftly.

It is very easy to comment from the outside and say how things could have been done differently but elite sports performers are dealing with split seconds to make these assessments. It was just a terribly sad incident all round.

The next two races were somewhat shocking.

The first saw Supreme second Sober Glory soundly beaten in fourth of six, with Storming George the winner. I would not be drawing many conclusions from this form.

The second saw Ryanair winner Heart Wood also soundly beaten, as Grey Dawning and Solness fought out the finish, with proven stamina prevailing in Grey Dawning. The winner could be Ryanair bound next year, and I do think that would suit him much more than the Gold Cup trip.

The final Grade 1 of the day saw Zeus Power winning comfortably when up in trip for the first time following an eye catching third in the Turners, which I noted in my Cheltenham review as one of my eyecatchers of the meeting. Compensation secured.

Saturday brings more shocks but an unsurprising National hero

The big day came around and kicked off with the Maghull Novices’ Chase, where the shocks did not stop. A 138 rated 50/1 shot and Dan Skelton second string Mirabad beat Salvator Mundi comfortably by six lengths to take the opener.

The Skelton success did not stop there either, as Bossman Jack – sixth in the Turners at Cheltenham – confirmed the form with Ballyfad to land the Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle.

The race before the big one saw the Stayers Hurdle winner allowed to go off at 5/1 to win the Liverpool Hurdle.

Home By The Lee has been a very admirable horse throughout his career, and it is brilliant to see him having such a season and enjoying his racing at 11 years old. Favourite in the race, Honesty Policy, is a bit of a headscratcher. Is he being stretched at three miles, or is he just a six-year-old that will improve with age?

The National was next, and the drama started early as Grangeclare West, many people’s big hope, went at the first fence, before two fences later Panic Attack fell.

For all the complaints about the National being too easy and not what it used to be, only 16 of the 34 finished. Most importantly, all 34 went home safe and sound.

In terms of the winner, I Am Maximus looks, on figures, to have produced the best National performance we have ever seen off a mark of 168. The amount of ground he made up from the elbow to the line to win in that fashion is remarkable. Three Nationals with first, second and first finishes is some record!

Jordans looks the one most thought was unlucky, sent clear miles out, which may have cost him, but in all honesty, I think I Am Maximus was always in control.

I was a Captain Cody backer, and I thought he was going rather well before unseating four out. I would keep a close eye on his campaigning next season.

Alas, onto Punchestown in a fortnight to effectively bring the curtain down on another wonderful jumps campaign!