The Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse has rapidly emerged as a key Grand National Trial. The last two winners of the race have both gone on to Aintree glory.

Fittingly, the race itself is named after a Grand National hero, who scored in 1999. GG analyse this year’s race, which will be shown live on ITV Racing, and give our verdict.

2026 Bobbyjo Chase Runners

Neither I Am Maximus or Nick Rockett return, but their possible heir apparent Grangeclare West will run here. He has not contested this race, but was a fast-finishing third in the 2025 Grand National. That was despite a mistake at the last and he was a close fourth in this season’s Savills Chase. Heavy ground would raise significant questions, however.

This is a field with real depth, suggesting connections have cottoned onto this race as National prep. Willie Mullins has declared three of Grangeclare West’s stablemates in Captain Cody, Lecky Watson and Spanish Harlem.

The first-named won the Scottish Grand National last year and could still be upwardly mobile despite a fall last time. Conversely, Lecky Watson has had a difficult season. The 2025 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase winner has not proven up to Grade 1 class, but carries that level of penalty here. A 12lb concession to the majority of his rivals looks a tough ask.

Spanish Harlem looked set to land the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park last time out when unseating at the last. That was on a mark of 150, so he has clearly progressed this season. That is also the case with Three Card Brag, second in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury off 155 having won at Cheltenham. Gordon Elliott has not won this race since 2015 though.

Elliott also has former Gold Cup runner-up Gerri Colombe in here. The ten-year-old has not shown the same spark since returning from a long lay-off this term. A better challenge may come from Stellar Story, who is under an 8lb penalty but is a thorough stayer.

The remaining trio are not ruled out. Answer To Kayf faded late in the Thyestes Chase, but won Navan’s Troytown Chase on heavy. Conditions will be right up his street, as they will be for Intense Raffles. Second in this last year when conceding 3lb to Nick Rockett, his form has nosedived since. Jordans is another outsider for Joseph O’Brien and had been improving until pulled up last time. Heavy ground may also be too testing for him.

2026 Bobbyjo Chase Racecard

Bobbyjo Chase Trends

We look at all of the key Bobbyjo Chase trends:

• Willie Mullins has won nine of the last ten renewals
• Six of the last nine winners have been the favourite
• Six of the last ten winners have carried a penalty
• The last two winners of the race have gone on to win the Grand National

Bobbyjo Chase Tips

Grangeclare West’s recent profile suggests the going will be too testing for him despite being Paul Townend’s choice. An early fall in the Thyestes was a shock for Captain Cody, but he could easily bounce back. Last year’s Scottish Grand National hero stays and it was notable he was Townend’s choice in that race. Spanish Harlem is progressing quickly, but a bigger danger could come from Gordon Elliott’s pair Stellar Story and Three Card Brag.

1. Captain Cody
2. Three Card Brag
3. Stellar Story

FAQs

When and where will the Bobbyjo Chase be run?

The Bobbyjo Chase will take place at Fairyhouse racecourse on Saturday 21 February, 2026 at 3.15pm.

How can I watch the Bobbyjo Chase on Saturday?

The Bobbyjo Chase will be shown live on ITV Racing at 3.15pm.

Who is Joe Napier?

Joe Napier is the deputy editor of GG who gives tips and opinion throughout the week. He has been writing for GG for over four years and is hugely passionate about racing.

When were the Bobbyjo Chase tips published?

The tips for the Bobbyjo Chase were published at 9.25am on Friday 20 February.

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