Only five runners go to post for the 2026 Aintree Bowl, which is one of the Grade 1 highlights on day one of the Grand National Festival on Thursday 9 April. Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Jango Baie is the red-hot favourite for the contest, but he faces some strong Aintree performers on Merseyside.
Our in-house tipster Steve Chambers previews the race and picks out his 1-2-3 for the race, whilst he also looks at the trends and runners for the race.
2026 Aintree Bowl Runners
Nicky Henderson’s Jango Baie was no match for Gaelic Warrior in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month, but the Seven Barrows certainly lost nothing in defeat. Now back to try and get his head in front, he’s a red-hot favourite for the Aintree Bowl at 2.55pm on Thursday. He has a solid record at Aintree having won once and placed on his two other runs at the track, so he’s entitled to be a warm order. However, he will face some smart rivals, albeit not in the same league as Gaelic Warrior.
Impaire Et Passe has a phenomenal record at Aintree having won on his last two visits in the Aintree Hurdle and Manifesto Novices’ Chase. Pulled up in the Ryanair Chase, he needs to bounce back to form for Willie Mullins, but a return to Liverpool could see him sparkle.
Spillane’s Tower is the second Irish challenger and he heads here instead of the Grand National on Saturday. He missed the Gold Cup due to the ground, which is a notable worry. The ground is likely to be quick on Thursday, so it’s interesting to see whether he takes his place.
The legendary veteran Protektorat comes into the race fresh after wins at Windsor at Kelso, and he’s one that has been placed in the Melling Chase before. Whether he’s up for Grade 1 level these days is up for question, but he is a class act. Pic D’Orhy completes the line-up and the Paul Nicholls-trained star may not be the force of old. However, he missed Cheltenham, so comes here fresh, so can’t be discounted.
2026 Aintree Bowl Trends
We pick out some key trends for the 2026 Aintree Bowl:
- 7 of the last 10 winners have been favourite
- 8 of the last 10 winners have been aged less than 10
- 7 of the last 10 winners have been trained in UK
- 5 of the last 10 winner have been rated 170 or higher
2026 Aintree Bowl Tips
If Jango Baie can replicate his Cheltenham run then he should win! However, Impaire Et Passe’s Aintree record will certainly emphasises his chances. Both are classy performers and should battle out the finish. This 3m trip should prove ideal for Jango Baie, who can prevail narrowly. Impaire Et Passe can claim second place, with veteran Protektorat staying on for third position.
- Jango Baie
- Impaire Et Passe
- Protektorat
FAQs
When and where is the Aintree Bowl run?
The Aintree Bowl will take place at Aintree racecourse on Thursday 9 April, 2026 at 2.55pm.
How can I watch the Aintree Bowl on Thursday?
The Aintree Bowl is shown live on ITV Racing at 2.55pm.
When were the Aintree Bowl tips published?
The tips for the Aintree Bowl were published at 11am on Tuesday 7 April.
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