Grand National 2026: Mare Panic Attack looks to break 75-year record

Panic Attack has “all the qualities” needed to become the first mare to win the Grand National in 75 years, says her trainer Dan Skelton.

The 10-year-old has been popular in the market for Saturday’s showpiece and is vying for favouritism alongside 2024 winner I Am Maximus.

But history is stacked against her, with Nickel Coin the last mare – which is a mature female horse typically aged four or older – to win the 4m 2f furlong race at Aintree in 1951.

Magic of Light was the last to place in the race, finishing second in 2019 for Irish trainer Jessica Harrington.

Panic Attack was third in her last run in the Mares Chase at Cheltenham Festival in March – but had won her previous three races, including the well-regarded Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November and Coral Gold Cup at Newbury two weeks apart.

“I love that a mare hasn’t won it for that long because it means there is going to be one soon enough – right?” Skelton told BBC Sport.

“I think, probably, there hasn’t been a mare for so long because there hasn’t been many take the challenge.

“All of our qualities are what you need to win the race – she has a great temperament, she jumps well, she’ll handle the ground, she’ll handle the occasion beforehand.

“The four-mile 2f trip is a long way for a horse to run and jump so you need to be sure you’ll get that marathon trip and everything about her suggests she will.

“I think a mare will win pretty soon and hopefully it’s this week.”