Twig Aims for Historic £1 Million Payout in Grand National
In a remarkable twist for the 2026 Randox Grand National, the horse Twig has emerged as the only contender with a chance to secure an extraordinary £500,000 bonus on top of the race's first prize. This potential windfall, offered by bookmaker William Hill, could see Twig become the first horse in history to earn a total of £1 million for winning the iconic Aintree event.
The 'Half A Mill' Bonus Initiative
At the outset of the 2025-26 jumps season, William Hill, the official betting partner of the Grand National Festival, unveiled its 'Half A Mill' bonus scheme. This incentive promised an additional £500,000 to any horse that triumphed in both one of three designated trial races and the Grand National itself. Twig, trained in the Cotswolds by Ben Pauling and owned by Mrs Georgia Morgan, qualified for this bonus by winning the William Hill Half A Mill Becher Chase in December 2025.
Pauling expressed his astonishment at the prospect, stating, "Winning £1 million in one race with a National Hunt horse would be quite bonkers. It's huge prize money—amounts that you wouldn't ever dream of achieving in a Jumps race at this stage." He highlighted that the bonus not only rewards owners but also benefits the training team, staff, and jockey, providing a significant incentive to compete in the challenging race.
Training and Owner Perspectives
Initially, Pauling had not planned for Twig to run in the Grand National this year, focusing instead on veterans' series events. However, after the horse's victory in the Becher Chase at Aintree, the training strategy was adjusted to target the National. Pauling remarked, "It's all gone really well," underscoring the careful preparation behind this ambitious bid.
Owner Georgia Morgan, whose son Beau will ride Twig, shared her excitement, calling Twig "the horse of a lifetime." She added, "You have to be in it to win it," when discussing the bonus. When asked about potential uses for the bonus money, Morgan quipped, "Probably another horse!" while Pauling joked about buying a new pair of jeans and throwing a party, reflecting the light-hearted yet determined spirit surrounding this unique opportunity.
Historical Context and Race Significance
The Grand National, held at Aintree, is renowned as one of the world's most prestigious and demanding horse races. With a first prize of £500,000, the addition of William Hill's bonus elevates the stakes to an unprecedented level. This development adds an extra layer of drama to the 2026 edition, drawing attention from racing enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
As the field of 34 horses prepares to line up, all eyes will be on Twig to see if this 'bonkers' chance can translate into a historic victory. The combination of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck will determine whether this Cotswolds-trained runner can etch its name into the annals of horse racing history with a million-pound triumph.
