Coral Welsh Grand National Preview: Chepstow Ready for Its Biggest Day of the Year
Date: Saturday 27 December
Time: First race 12:00pm
Chepstow Braces for a Marathon Test of Grit and Glory
Chepstow is polishing itself up for the day that defines the entire season. When the Coral Welsh Grand National rolls into town on Saturday, the quiet Welsh track transforms into the beating heart of winter jump racing. This is not just another fixture on the calendar; it is the race everyone circles months in advance, the one that draws trainers, jockeys, owners and racegoers together with a shared sense of anticipation and mild trepidation about the weather.
The Welsh National has been part of Chepstow’s identity since 1949, and over the decades it has grown into one of the most revered staying handicaps in British racing. It is a race that demands stamina, bravery and a willingness to get thoroughly stuck in. Winning it places a horse firmly in the folklore of the sport, and for those connected to the winner, it often becomes the defining moment of a career.
Click HERE for 2026 Welsh Grand National Runners, Riders and Best Odds
A Race Steeped in History and Prestige
Few races blend tradition and endurance quite like the Coral Welsh Grand National. Its long association with Coral is among the most enduring sponsorships in British racing, and that continuity has helped cement the race’s status as a festive institution. With a prize fund of £170,000 on offer this year, it is also a contest that rewards ambition as well as resilience.
The roll of honour reads like a history lesson in staying chasers. Burrough Hill Lad, Synchronised and Native River all claimed Welsh National glory before going on to lift the Cheltenham Gold Cup, underlining just how searching a test Chepstow can provide. Earth Summit’s victory here formed part of his journey to Grand National success in 1998, while Silver Birch completed the same double, albeit across different seasons.
Then there is Dream Alliance, whose unforgettable 2009 triumph captured the imagination of the public and later inspired an award-winning film. It is stories like these that elevate the Welsh National beyond sport, turning it into something closer to shared cultural memory.
This Year’s Favourite Carries the Right Credentials
As the field begins to take shape, the bookies have installed Jubilee Express as the 5/1 favourite, and it is not difficult to see why. His recent victory in the Welsh National Trial at Chepstow follows a well-trodden path to success in the main event. Secret Reprieve, Iwilldoit and Nassalam all used that very route to lift the trophy in recent years, making it a tried-and-tested preparation rather than coincidence.
Jubilee Express is trained near Cardiff by former champion jockey Sam Thomas, who knows exactly what is required to ready a horse for this marathon. Thomas, of course, was responsible for saddling Iwilldoit to victory, and his understanding of the unique demands of Chepstow’s winter ground is a significant asset.
Thomas may also have another string to his bow in Shomen Uchi, quoted at 10-1 by the sponsors. His fourth-place finish at Haydock last time out suggested he is moving in the right direction, shaping with encouragement and hinting that a big performance might not be far away.
Mr Vango and the Appeal of the Relentless Stayer
Few horses have captured the imagination of punters quite like Mr Vango. For many, he feels like a Welsh National winner in waiting, and there is a growing sense that his moment may be approaching. Coral rate him a 7/1 chance, reflecting both his ability and the faith placed in him by the racing public.
Mr Vango thrives when conditions are testing. Soft ground holds no fears, and his stamina appears bottomless. His recent second in the Becher Chase was a fine effort, confirming both fitness and appetite for a battle. That performance also hinted at Aintree potential further down the line.
The concern, if there is one, revolves around his robustness. He is not the hardiest of types, and connections will be hoping he arrives at Chepstow in peak condition. If he does, few will be surprised to see him right in the thick of things when it matters.
Git Maker and a Long-Term Plan Coming Together
Git Maker represents another compelling storyline. Trained by Jamie Snowden and available at around 8/1 at the time of writing, he is a horse whose connections have had this race firmly in mind for some time. The journey arguably began back in 2022 when he struck in a maiden hurdle at Chepstow, planting the seed for a future return to the Monmouthshire venue.
Since then, Git Maker has accumulated experience and toughness, qualities that are essential for a race of this nature. He has more miles on the clock than some rivals, which may work in his favour when the race turns into a war of attrition. The careful planning behind his campaign suggests that Saturday has been the target all along.
Haiti Couleurs and Local Pride
Few runners will carry more local support than Haiti Couleurs. Trained by Rebecca Curtis on the west coast of Wales, he is likely to attract plenty of patriotic money as race day approaches. His credentials are strong enough to justify the enthusiasm.
Last season, Haiti Couleurs captured the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival before following up with victory in the Irish Grand National. Those performances showcased both stamina and class, marking him out as a horse capable of excelling over extreme distances.
His most recent outing in the Betfair Chase was disappointing, but that effort does not tell the full story. He impressed earlier in the season at Newbury, and if he can recapture that form, he has the attributes required to play a leading role at Chepstow.
A Race That Rewards Preparation and Patience
The Coral Welsh Grand National has a habit of rewarding those who have planned meticulously. It is rarely won by accident, and the list of contenders this year reflects that. From trial winners to proven stayers and locally trained heroes, the field promises depth and intrigue.
For punters, it is also one of the most engaging betting races of the year. Long odds, changing ground conditions and evolving narratives make it a fascinating puzzle. Many will be eyeing bookmaker free bets or free bet bonuses to get involved, particularly at this time of year when festive offers are plentiful. William Hill, for example, are currently offering new customers a Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets deal, which may appeal to those looking to add extra interest to the action.
More Than Just One Race
While the Welsh National is undoubtedly the headline act, it forms part of a seven-race card that begins at 12pm. Gates open two hours earlier, allowing racegoers to soak up the atmosphere well before the first flag falls.
Chepstow has also ensured the day offers entertainment beyond the racing itself. Britain’s Got Talent finalists Jack Pack will perform after racing, adding a celebratory feel to proceedings. A wet weather guarantee is also in place, meaning that should rain fall on Saturday, attendees will be entitled to entry at another fixture, a thoughtful touch given the time of year.
Tickets remain available via the track’s website, with advanced booking offers providing savings for those planning ahead. Hospitality packages can also still be secured, offering a more comfortable way to enjoy what is often a cold but exhilarating day.
Watching from Afar
Not everyone will make the trip to Chepstow, but coverage ensures the race’s reach extends far beyond the course. Four races from the meeting, including the Welsh National itself, will be broadcast live on ITV’s main channel, allowing fans across the country to follow the drama as it unfolds.
Whether watched from the stands or the sofa, the Coral Welsh Grand National remains a shared experience, one that captures the essence of winter jump racing.
A Festive Highlight That Never Disappoints
As Chepstow prepares for its biggest day, anticipation continues to build. The Welsh National is a race that tests horses to their limits, rewards courage and preparation, and often produces moments that linger long after the mud has dried.
Saturday promises another chapter in that story. With a strong field, rich history and the unmistakable buzz of a major racing occasion, the Coral Welsh Grand National once again takes centre stage.