Derek Fox's 2026 Grand National Tips & Race Preview
Derek Fox is a two-time Grand National-winning jockey, riding One For Arthur (2017) and Corach Rambler (2023) to victory for trainer Lucinda Russell.
He spoke exclusively to FreeBets.com, the home of the best Grand National free bets, ahead of the 2026 Aintree Festival.
His Grand National Pick
Who is your selection for Saturday's race?
My pick is Oscars Brother, trained by Connor King. He's still a novice, but he's by Mountain Asses and from what I've seen they tend to stay very well. His fifth in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham was solid Grade One novice form. He's in off 10 stone 13, which really stands out. Eight years old as well, so even though he's a novice, he should be mature enough to handle it. He's the one I would pick.
Each-Way Selections
Any each-way options you like the look of?
Gerri Colombe, trained by Gordon Elliott, is worth a look. He won the Bowl at Aintree at Grade One level a few years back, so I know he handles the course and stays well. He's had time off injured but won nicely at Down Royal on his return. Off a big weight, if that doesn't slow him down, he'll have a live chance.
Haiti Couleurs is another. He's an Irish National and Welsh National winner and a handicap horse through and through. His Gold Cup run was disappointing, but back in a handicap, I think he could bounce back.
Panic Attack is also one to consider. She was a very good winner of the Hennessy and she's off a very light weight. Mares don't have a great record around Aintree, but if there was ever one to break the mould, it might be her.
What Does It Take To Win?
What's the perfect Grand National type these days?
With the fences becoming more forgiving and the field cut from 40 to 34, you now need a horse with a bit of class and natural pace to keep up early. In the past, a slower, more dogged type could grind their way into it. Now you need that wee bit of cruising speed.
You also need a horse brave enough to hold its position in a big field. Sometimes you genuinely cannot see what's on the other side of a fence. You're taking it on trust that the horses in front have got over safely. Weight matters a little less than it used to — it's now more possible that a horse carrying more weight could win, because the field is very classy throughout.
On The Favourite
What do you make of I Am Maximus?
He's the favourite, but going back and winning it after missing a year is a hard thing to do. He came second last time carrying a big weight, and doing it again will be a tough task. He has a tendency to go left, so you'd imagine Paul Townend will be looking to stay down the inside rail. That saves him work keeping him straight and lets him use the running rail throughout.
And Jagwar?
He's in off a nice weight. Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero are doing really well as a training partnership. Mark Walsh on board is a massive plus. If he settles into the race and his jumping holds up, he's got a live chance.
Jockey Tactics
From your own experience riding in the race, what's the key?
You have to keep an open mind and stay flexible. I've always liked to set off towards the middle of the track. From there you have more options — you can get across the first few fences and let the race break up, then move wherever there's space.
On Corach Rambler, I didn't plan to be as prominent as I ended up. Every time I'd ridden him before he'd been towards the back. Getting down across the first few fences in a good position was a pleasant surprise. I moved onto the rail around the Canal Turn and stayed there for a good stretch. Later on, when things started to heat up, I moved him off the rail to find space.
You can have a plan and the opposite can happen. It's important to work with the horse. If he wants to do something, you can guide him — but you can't force him. Going with him and letting him enjoy it is always better than being rigid.
A Dream Third Win?
Would winning a third Grand National be the ultimate goal?
It's surreal to even think about sometimes. No jockey has ever won it three times — Red Rum did it as a horse, ridden by two different jockeys, but that three-win mark as a rider is uncharted territory. I always try to keep myself hungry and maybe someday another National horse will come along. But even if I retire without riding in it again, it's hard to believe I've won it twice.
Racing is a humbling sport. You have to get back down and graft every day to stay at the top. It doesn't do you much good to get carried away. But it is very special to be able to say I've won two Grand Nationals, definitely.
