Welcome to Racing Ahead Magazine bumper Grand National edition for April 2026

Times are hard and money – for most of us – is tight, but hopefully you had some cash-spinning winners in the Cotswolds and enjoyed a fabulous week of top-class sport.

Now for another. We have a fresh, great blend of key information in this Grand National month issue, offering pointers for the world’s favourite race and so much more besides.

Everybody loves an underdog in the big race. Mr Vango fits the bill in every way, and Nick Townsend offers an emotional interview with trainer Sara Bradstock, adding a special poignancy to the great event.

Andy Newton brings facts and trends for the world’s favourite race.

Paul Jacobs and Paul Ferguson offer great tips and insights. Ben Morgan has battled the timetable to prepare a race-by-race Aintree Festival guide.

Andy Ayres shares his observations of the last month’s racing, Ian Heitman focuses on the All-Weather championships, and Karl Hedley takes us across the Irish Sea.

And, as always, there’s much more… Be Lucky!

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RACING AHEAD

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Racing Ahead is published by The Racing Paper Ltd T/A Racing Ahead www.racingahead.net

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Editor: Alex Gifford

Photos: Alamy unless otherwise stated

Art Editor: Oliver Clements

Designers: Bethany Joel, James Stewart and Steven Dando

Advertising enquiries: Graham Wright 07424 001116 / [email protected]

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Paul Ferguson, Robert Cooper, Nick Townsend, Paul Jacobs, Andrew Ayres, Graham Buddry, Jeremy Grayson, Ian Heitman, Andy Newton

Distribution: Intermedia

Printer: Mortons, Horncastle

Opinions in Racing Ahead are those of the contributors and not necessarily the views of The Racing Paper Ltd.

ISSN: 1743-551X