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.
Aintree Grand National Festival Day One Market Movers:
14:20 – William Hill Manifesto Novices' Chase – Lulamba – 8/13 from 4/7
14:55 – Bowl Chase – Protektorat – 9/2 from 15/2
15:30 – Hunters' Chase – Golden Son – 11/1 from 14/1
16:05 – William Hill Aintree Hurdle – El Fabiolo – 4/1 from 6/1
16:40 – Red Rum Handicap Chase – Stencil – 7/2 from 6/1
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “The Day One markets have been lively since they opened.
“It’s no surprise that we’ve seen lots of support for Lulamba, one of the shortest priced horses of the day, who has been clipped from 4/6 to 8/13 in the Manifesto.
“Dan Skelton’s Protektorat has been a punters’ pal over the years and he’s popular once again at 9/2 from 15/2 for the Bowl.
“Golden Son takes aim at the Hunters’ Chase and he’s been supported into 11/1 from 14/1.
“The big move is in the Grade 1 William Hill Aintree Hurdle on El Fabiolo for the formidable Willie Mullins.
“Our punters are taking on the top two in the market and have backed him from 6/1 into 4/1.
“Then it’s all about JP McManus’ charge in the Red Rum, with Stencil our new favourite at 7/2 from 6/1.”
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Grand festival for JP McManus?
McManus will be hoping that The New Lion can defy the support shown to El Fabiolo, in what could be a good day for the leading owner.
He also has Spillane’s Tower in the Bowl and Its On The Line in the Foxhunters’.
McManus holds a powerful hand in the Grand National on Saturday, April 11.
His 2024 winner I Am Maximus heads the betting whilst McManus also has Iroko, Jagwar and Johnnywho in the top six.
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