The Grand National Trial at Haydock is a big handicap in its own right, attracting a fiercely competitive field this season.
GG tipster Joe Napier previews all you need to know about the contest on Saturday, including his 1-2-3 in the race.
2026 Grand National Trial Runners
Possessing both Gold Cup and Grand National entries, this race may determine the remainder of Myretown‘s season. Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore’s charge made a costly mistake late in the Peter Marsh Chase here. However, he retains significant potential for improvement off this mark, as does Deafening Silence. Dan Skelton’s charge was third in the Welsh National last time and is up just 1lb on favourable soft going.
Tommy Whittle winner Grand Geste could be worth forgiving a limp Doncaster effort since. He was impressive at this track in December, as Rivers Corner was at Wincanton last time. That was Joe Tizzard’s runner’s first experience of softer going this season, which he will also get here.
Richmond Lake finished second in the aforementioned Peter Marsh and is a consistent type. That applies to Holokea, who has a run of seconds now, including to Neo King last time. The latter horse sprung late to win at Windsor, but might get going too slowly here.
The remainder all arrive in worse form. Git Maker has the best track record, though Top Of The Bill and Monbeg Genius are very capable on their day off big weights. Grand Albert likely has the most to prove.
2026 Grand National Trial Racecard
15:15 Haydock
William Hill Half A Mill Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
- Going Good To Soft
- Distance 3m 4f 97y
- Class Class 1
- Race Type Chase Turf
- Surface Turf
- Runners 12
- Win Time 7m 46s
13/2 (Won)
22/1
16/1
7/1
12/1
17/2
8/1
12/1
3/1F
9/1
6/1
22/1
- Place: £6.20
13/2 (Won)
- Win: £7.50
- Place: £2.20
22/1
- Place: £6.20
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £139.80 |
| Straight Forecast | £132.47 |
| Tricast | £2211.02 |
| Trifecta | £1604.90 |
Selections
Grand National Trial Trends
Dave Young has already analysed the trends for the Haydock Grand National Trial in depth, with a summary below of the key ones to look out for.
Grand National Trial Tips
An impressive win at Wincanton highlighted the strengths of Rivers Corner. His record on soft going or slower for Joe Tizzard reads 311 and that victory suggests more is to come under these conditions. A 10lb rise looks reasonable, though Deafening Silence is a big danger after his Welsh National third. Grand Geste can be forgiven a poor Doncaster effort, though all of Myretown, Richmond Lake and Neo King are respected.
- Rivers Corner
- Deafening Silence
- Grand Geste
FAQs
When and where will the Grand National Trial be run?
The Grand National Trial will take place at Haydock racecourse on Saturday 14 February, 2026 at 3.15pm.
How can I watch the Grand National Trial on Saturday?
The Grand National Trial 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 Grand National Trial tips published?
The tips for the Grand National Trial were published at 1.47pm on Thursday 12 February.
Commercial notice: This article on GG.co.uk contains affiliate links. The offers we promote come from operators that we trust and our experts have first-hand experience dealing with. If you open an account through one of these affiliate links then GG will earn revenue. However, we ensure that the money earned goes back into improving and enhancing our coverage of horse racing and other sports, as we look to provide an excellent service to our growing audience.