Royal Ascot
16–20 June 2026
Welsh Grand National 2026 — Odds, Facts & Betting Guide
Expected December 2026 · Chepstow Racecourse, Monmouthshire, United Kingdom
Exact dates have not yet been confirmed by the organisers. This page will be updated as soon as they are.
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The Welsh Grand National is one of the great staying handicap chases of the British jumps calendar, traditionally run at Chepstow in the days after Christmas. The 2026 running is expected on 27 December, conditions permitting.
A marathon test over nearly three miles six furlongs in often testing midwinter ground, the Welsh National is a major betting heat and has launched the careers of several future Grand National contenders.
Where to find the latest odds
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Welsh Grand National: fast facts
- The Welsh Grand National is a staying handicap chase run at Chepstow over almost three miles six furlongs.
- It is traditionally run in the days after Christmas, weather permitting.
- Heavy midwinter ground is a recurring feature and a major form factor.
- Several winners have gone on to contest or win the Aintree Grand National.
- The race is one of the biggest staying-handicap betting heats of the festive period.
- Bobs Worth and Native River are among the notable horses to have won at Chepstow before Cheltenham success.
Past winners
| Year | Winner | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Recent renewal | Chepstow staying handicap |
| 2023 | Nassalam | Won the Welsh National |
| 2022 | The Two Amigos | Popular staying handicap win |
| 2021 | Iwilldoit | Won the Chepstow marathon |
| 2020 | Secret Reprieve | Won the delayed renewal |
| 2019 | Potters Corner | Welsh-trained winner |
| 2018 | Elegant Escape | Colin Tizzard-trained winner |
| 2017 | Raz De Maree | Veteran won the rescheduled race |
| 2016 | Native River | Future Gold Cup winner |
| 2015 | Mountainous | Second Welsh National win |
How to bet on Welsh Grand National
The Welsh National is a big-field staying handicap, so each-way betting with extra places is the standard approach. Proven stamina in heavy ground is the single most important form factor, far more than at faster-ground handicaps.
Ante-post markets open through December, but the race's vulnerability to the weather — it is sometimes postponed if the ground is unsafe — means non-runner risk is worth considering. Horses with previous Chepstow form and bottomless stamina are the ones to focus on.
A marathon in midwinter mud throws up plenty of surprises and big-priced winners. Bet each-way on a sensible budget, respect the stamina demands, and never stake more than you can comfortably afford.
Popular markets
- Win and each-way (extra places standard)
- Ante-post
- Forecast and tricast
- Placepot
- Match bets
Welsh Grand National 2026: your questions answered
When is the Welsh Grand National 2026?
The 2026 Welsh Grand National is expected on 27 December at Chepstow, conditions permitting. The exact date will be confirmed and this page updated. The race is occasionally rescheduled if the ground is unsafe.
How far is the Welsh Grand National?
It is run over almost three miles six furlongs, a true marathon staying handicap.
Why is the ground so important at the Welsh National?
Chepstow in midwinter is often heavy, demanding exceptional stamina, so proven mud form is a key betting pointer and the race is sometimes postponed if conditions are unsafe.
Have Welsh National winners gone on to bigger things?
Yes — Native River won at Chepstow before later landing the Cheltenham Gold Cup, among others.
Where is the Welsh Grand National run?
At Chepstow Racecourse in Monmouthshire, Wales.