A supercomputer has forecast that Panic Attack, ridden by Harry Skelton, will win the 2026 Grand National at Aintree on Saturday. The prediction comes after defending champion Nick Rockett was withdrawn from the race, opening the field for a new victor.
According to calculations supplied by Boyle Sports, the 10-year-old Panic Attack has a 15.1 per cent win probability and is expected to triumph by two-and-a-half lengths. The horse, trained by Dan Skelton, is tipped to outperform last year's winner I Am Maximus, who is the market favourite but predicted to finish third with an 11.2 per cent chance.
Grangeclare West, another Willie Mullins-trained horse, is projected to finish second with an 11.8 per cent win probability. Haiti Couleurs is forecast for fourth, followed by Oscars Brother and Jagwar in fifth and sixth respectively. The supercomputer's top ten also includes Iroko, Jonnywho, Stellar Story and Quai De Bourbon.
The simulation, which analysed seasonal performances, weight-to-probability ratio, and jockey and trainer data, predicts that 21 of the 37 declared horses will complete the race. Banbridge and Firefox have been labelled as high-risk finishers.
The Grand National Handicap Chase is scheduled for 4pm on Saturday, concluding three days of elite jump racing at Aintree.
