THE GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE - A 5600m TEST OF STAYING STRENGTH AND DOGGED DETERMINATION

By Graham Potter | Friday, August 7, 2026

The Grand National Steeplechase, a marathon 5600m test of staying strength and dogged determination, will again be a fascinating watch at Riccarton on Saturday.

The expected heavy ten racing surface will require another layer of conviction from the nine runners due to face the starter in a race in which the J J Rayner trained Lord Spencer currently tops the betting boards as a clear $2 favourite. He will be backing up after his Koral Steeplechase win over 4250m at the same track last week, again with Lemmy Douglas in the saddle.

The Kevin Meyers trained duo of Prince Turbo and Invincible Spirit, who finished second and third respectively behind Lord Spencer in the Koral Steeplechase are up for the challenge once again, as is the Raymond Connors trained Brucie and the Paul Nelson and Corrina Mcdougal trained Nedwin who finished fourth and fifth in the same race.

Of these runners Brucie (the $5.50 second favourite) currently holds a slight edge in the betting over Nedwin ($6.50) with Prince Turbo at $9.50 and Invincible Spirit out on the $12 mark.

In order to land the result that the followers of favourite would like to see, Lord Spencer will also have to beat, amongst others, the defending champion, the Dan O’Leary trained Captain’s Run who won the Grand National Steeplechase by 7.50 lengths last year in a winning time of 7.38.96.

Captain’s Run is also currently a $6.50 chance, arguably more out of respect for his proven capability than his current form, which has been uninspiring with two unplaced finishes and a ‘lost rider’ result.

The remaining three runners Mr Fabulous, Zac Flash and Mettalo are all at double-figure odds.