Grand National 2026: Horses, riders and key information for first three races at Aintree Racecourse on Grand National day
Aintree Racecourse is set to play host to one of the most iconic days on the racing calendar – Grand National Saturday.
With a packed schedule of action throughout the day, Sports News Blitz’s horse racing expert Kieran McHugh provides analysis of every runner in the first three races on the card.
Grand National 2026: Horses, riders and key information for final three races at Aintree Racecourse on Grand National day
Aintree Racecourse is the place to be this weekend as the 2026 Grand National takes centre stage.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s horse racing expert Kieran McHugh provides analysis of every runner in the final three races on the card, excluding the main race itself.
Liverpool news: Andy Robertson’s five most memorable moments in a Reds shirt
In a heartfelt announcement, Robertson confirmed he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Speaking to fans, he expressed deep gratitude for the club, team-mates, and supporters who shaped his journey.
His departure marks the end of an era, with the Scot set to move on in the summer transfer window, closing a chapter filled with silverware and unforgettable moments.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Joshua Topping takes a look at Robertson’s five most memorable moments in a Liverpool shirt.
Grand National 2026: I Am Maximus is Barry Geraghty’s choice for Aintree spectacle
William Hill ambassador Barry Geraghty is siding with I Am Maximus for the 2026 Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday, April 11 - Sports News Blitz’s horse racing expert Kieran McHugh reports.
ITV horse racing tips and best bets for Aintree on Friday, April 10
Day Two of the 2026 Grand National Festival arrives on Friday, and Sports News Blitz’s horse racing pundit Kieran McHugh is back for more after scoring a profit on the first day at Aintree Racecourse.
ITV are again showing six races from Aintree, and our horse racing expert is hoping for more success in Liverpool.
Rugby league news: Challenge Cup 2026 quarter-finals – Previews, predictions and betting tips
The world’s oldest rugby cup competition, the Challenge Cup, reaches its quarter-final stage this weekend. Four high-stakes clashes await, with games likely to be decided as much by moments of individual brilliance as by overall squad strength.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Elliot Ward previews each tie, assessing form and offering the best betting predictions.
Timeform predict JP McManus to make history by having first three home in Grand National
The ratings experts at Timeform believe that owner JP McManus could dominate the 2026 Grand National.
McManus, who has won the race three times, is likely to have six runners. Among McManus's powerful squad is 2024 Grand National winner I Am Maximus who was also runner-up to Nick Rockett in last year's race which was dominated by horses trained by Willie Mullins.
Premier League betting tips: Man City to beat Chelsea, Marcus Tavernier to score against Arsenal, and more Gameweek 32 betting tips
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from this weekend’s Premier League TV games from Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher - including the cracker between Chelsea and Manchester City on Sunday, April 12.
Boxing analysis: Everything you need to know ahead of Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov
After being supposedly “retired,” Tyson Fury returns to the ring on Saturday, April 11, to face off against Arslanbek Makhmudov in a 12-round heavyweight bout.
This is the first time Fury has stepped into the ring in over a year, so it could shape up to be quite the match.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Matthew Morgan highlights everything you need to know before the fight.
FA Cup title or Premier League survival? What would Leeds Utd fans prefer?
Daniel Farke’s Leeds made history on Easter Sunday as they reached the FA Cup semi-final for the first time in 39 years after a thriller at the London Stadium.
Sports News Blitz’s Charlie Fawcett weighs up the pros and cons of staying in the league and winning the world’s oldest domestic cup competition.
Liverpool’s European dream hanging by a thread after 2-0 defeat to PSG
A lack of attacking intent and growing pressure on Arne Slot leave the Reds with everything to do at Anfield.
Sports News Blitz writer Joshua Topping looks at how Liverpool FC’s passive, attack-lacking performance in their 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain has left their European hopes hanging by a thread heading into the Anfield second leg.
Why former Williams Racing deputy team principal Claire Williams believes culture decides performance
Claire Williams built her reputation in one of the toughest arenas in world sport, rising through Williams Racing from press officer to deputy team principal before later founding Claire Williams Consulting.
Recognised with an OBE for services to Formula 1, she brings first-hand insight into leadership, pressure, performance and the realities of steering an iconic team through change.
In this exclusive interview with the High Performance Speakers Agency, Claire Williams reflects on leadership, culture, resilience and what sustained success really demands when the margins for error are almost non-existent.
Grand National 2026: Willie Mullins star supported for Aintree Hurdle success in William Hill market movers
William Hill have seen some significant market movers ahead of the first day of the 2026 Grand National festival at Aintree Racecourse, Sports News Blitz’s horse racing expert Kieran McHugh reports.
Willie Mullins’ El Fabiolo is the main market mover in the Aintree Hurdle, as punters seem keen to side with the nine-year-old.
But Mullins’ charge is not the only major market mover before action gets underway, with Lulamba and Protektorat also being supported.
Cash bet on Grand National would stretch distance of Liverpool to Berlin
Leading bookmaker William Hill estimate that over £150 million will be bet on this Saturday’s Randox Grand National, which if laid end-to-end in £20 notes would cover approximately 650 miles.
The race meeting’s official betting partner is expecting more than six times the amount bet on last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup to be wagered on the National, with their worst result as things stand being Panic Attack.
Masters 2026 betting tips: Bryson DeChambeau, Robert MacIntyre and Tyrell Hatton in the running
Throughout the year, a few sporting events capture the eyes of the globe – and the Masters golf tournament is one of them. Set at Augusta National Golf Club, the world’s hottest talents converge on golf’s finest fairways. Excitement, drama, surprise – the world is watching.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Sam Condy reveals his favourite picks ahead of golf’s biggest spectacle.
Horse racing tips: Best bets for Aintree on Thursday, April 9
Day One of the 2026 Grand National Festival gets underway at Aintree, and Sports News Blitz’s horse racing pundit Kieran McHugh has returned to cast his varifocals over the meeting.
ITV is showing six races from Aintree, and our resident racing reporter is keen to unearth the secrets of the card after striking oil in Dubai with a 28/1 winner.
Grand National 2026 news: Complete guide to all 34 horses confirmed for Aintree spectacle
A full field has officially been declared for the 2026 Grand National as excitement builds for one of racing’s showpiece events at Aintree Racecourse.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s horse racing expert Kieran McHugh provides a complete guide to all 34 confirmed horses.
NFL analysis: Best backup-to-starter quarterbacks in NFL history as Kirk Cousins heads to Las Vegas
Kirk Cousins arrived in Atlanta almost two years ago to the day as a $180 million quarterback, undisputed starter, and the new franchise cornerstone.
Then, the Falcons front office shockingly ripped up the script, drafting Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall barely a fortnight later and nuking the franchise's relationship with Cousins almost instantly.
Soccer analysis: Southampton topple Wrexham in heated play-off clash
Southampton’s promotion push has become a very real possibility after their emphatic 5-1 win over Wrexham AFC, proving to the rest of the Championship that they are genuine contenders.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Matthew Morgan analyses the significance of this game in terms of promotion for both teams.
Grand National 2026 news: I Am Maximus the one to pick, says Willie Mullins assistant David Casey
David Casey, assistant trainer to Willie Mullins, has told BetSelect that he would ride I Am Maximus in this year’s Grand National if he had the choice.
Speaking to BetSelect, Casey said: “If I had to pick one, I’d go with I Am Maximus. He’s had a bit of a stronger preparation this year than he did last time.”