Willie Mullins Fields Seven Runners for 2026 Boylesports Irish Grand National

The eyes of the racing world turn to Fairyhouse this Monday, April 6, as the Boylesports Irish Grand National takes center stage. Champion trainer Willie Mullins is launching a massive assault on the race, saddling seven runners in a bid to secure the biggest prize in Irish racing and a significant share of the €500,000 prize fund.

With the Irish trainers’ championship battle against Gordon Elliott heating up, Mullins is looking to replicate his previous successes in the event, having already claimed victory in 2019 and 2023 with I Am Maximus.

Market Movers and Strong Fancies

Whereas Mullins has a large contingent in the field, the betting markets have highlighted a few clear standouts from his stable. Kiss Will has become a primary focal point for punters, experiencing a substantial gamble over the weekend. According to Boylesports Senior PR Manager Brian O’Keeffe, the horse saw its odds slash from 20-1 down to 6-1 on Saturday.

Beyond the market surge for Kiss Will, two other runners are strongly fancied to feature in the closing stages:

• Argento Boy: Currently priced at approximately 8-1.
• C’est Ta Chance: Also trading around the 8-1 mark.

The Surprise Tip: Karia Des Blaises

Despite the market support for his other runners, Mullins has provided a surprising tip for those looking for value. In an interview with TG4, the trainer steered attention toward Karia Des Blaises, a mare who is currently trading as a big outsider at odds of around 33-1.

Mullins noted that the mare is “nicely in” following a victory at Thurles in her last outing. Adding a unique angle to the entry, Karia Des Blaises will be ridden by amateur lady jockey Anna McGuinness, who can claim 7lbs. Mullins specifically suggested the pairing could appeal to female punters looking to back a lady jockey and a mare at a significant price.

Strategic Context: The Battle for the Championship

The 2026 Irish Grand National is more than just a prestigious trophy; it is a critical juncture in the battle for the Irish trainers’ championship. The €500,000 prize money offers a substantial boost that could help Mullins fend off the challenge of Gordon Elliott.

While Mullins’ 2023 winner, I Am Maximus, was viewed as a clear-cut candidate, the 2026 squad is seen as a strong challenge without one obvious “banker,” making the variety of his seven runners a strategic necessity.

Key Takeaways: Mullins’ Irish Grand National Strategy

• Total Runners: Seven horses confirmed in the field.
• The Gamble: Kiss Will is the most backed, moving from 20-1 to 6-1.
• The Value Bet: Karia Des Blaises (33-1) is the trainer’s surprise tip.
• The Prize: A €500,000 purse that impacts the Irish trainers’ championship race.
• Historical Success: Previous wins in 2019 and 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the surprise tip for the 2026 Irish Grand National?

Willie Mullins has tipped Karia Des Blaises, a mare currently trading at odds of approximately 33-1, as a horse likely to be challenging for honors.

Which Mullins horse has seen the most market support?

Kiss Will has been the subject of a sizeable gamble, with odds dropping from 20-1 to 6-1.

Who is riding Karia Des Blaises?

The mare will be ridden by amateur lady jockey Anna McGuinness, who claims 7lbs.