Midlands Grand National and Weekend Racing Preview

A busy weekend of National Hunt racing culminates in the Jenningsbet Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Alongside the marathon chase, competitive action is also scheduled at Fontwell, Newcastle, and Southwell, offering a diverse range of racing opportunities.

Uttoxeter: Jenningsbet Midlands Grand National

The £160,000 Jenningsbet Midlands Grand National (Premier Handicap Chase) is the feature race at Uttoxeter, attracting 17 runners over four miles and two furlongs. The race, run on good to soft ground, offers a first prize of £90,032. Sky Sports provides full results from the 2025 edition.

Among the contenders are I’m coming from the East, trained by Emmet Mullins, who has shown good form in cross-country contests. Aworkinprogress, a previous Surrey National winner, also enters calculations, particularly if there is further rainfall. Jupiter Allen, a recent winner at Wincanton, and Deafening Silence, with consistent placed form, are also considered strong possibilities.

Uttoxeter: JenningsBet Handicap Hurdle

The 2:25 at Uttoxeter is a competitive JenningsBet Handicap Hurdle featuring 18 runners. A Pai By Name, trained by Dan Skelton, is considered a leading contender after a successful season, including a recent win at Newbury. French Ship, carrying top weight for the Hobbs and White team, is another notable participant, although his stamina over three miles remains unproven. Just Golden and Keablewhile are also expected to be in the mix, along with last year’s hero Red Risk.

Southwell: Win £250,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Novice Stakes

At Southwell, the Win £250,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Novice Stakes (7:30) showcases promising young horses. See Blue, a debut winner at Kempton, is expected to perform well despite carrying a penalty. Kokushoku, who has finished second in his previous two starts, and Penny Time, a previous Kempton winner who was later disqualified for weighing in light, are also key contenders. Menzies, impressive in a recent win at Kempton, cannot be discounted.

Other Notable Races

• 1:50 Uttoxeter: Wellington Arch and It’s Top headline an excellent opening handicap hurdle.
• 3:35 Uttoxeter: As The Fella Says is expected to be popular in a Class Two race. Milcree is also of interest.
• 4:10 Uttoxeter: Cadastral faces Seaniecon in a novices’ hurdle.
• 4:00 Newcastle: Fingal’s Hill is among six runners in a Class Three race.
• 4:20 Fontwell: I make Des Pins seeks a hat-trick in a decent race.
• 8:00 Southwell: Artisan Dancer and Tarbat Ness headline.
• 2:50 Auteuil: Magic Marvel features in a Listed race.