SPECIAL - Grand National 2026: Chance or No Chance?

·32 min·3 clips

Nick Luck and Lydia Hislop debate whether each of the 34 Grand National runners has a chance to win, starting with the former winner I Am Maximus.

The episode is a special edition of Nick Luck Daily, focusing on the eve of the 2026 Randox Grand National. Hosts Nick Luck and Lydia Hislop perform their annual 'Chance or No Chance' exercise, assessing whether each of the 34 runners has a realistic chance to win the race. They start with I Am Maximus, the 2024 winner, where Nick declares 'no chance' while Lydia says 'chance', setting the tone for debate. The format involves going through the runners in numerical order, with occasional interruptions from pre-recorded messages from contributors like Tom Stanley, Jane Mangan, Oli Bell, Rishi Persad, and Lee Mottershead. Jane Mangan provides a detailed case for Monty's Star, highlighting his grade one form and preparation for the race. A listener named Matt requests a 'no chance' for Iroko for superstitious reasons, creating a humorous moment. Oli Bell and Rishi Persad both tip Jaguar, with Persad linking it to a Rory McIlroy Masters win. Lee Mottershead selects Panic Attack, noting the historical angle of no mare winning since 1951. The hosts also discuss horses like Grange Clare West, Jerry Colombe, and Captain Cody, with varying opinions. Throughout, there are lighthearted digressions, such as a discussion on Greek wine and an evacuation exercise alarm. The episode concludes with Lydia picking Grange Clare West as her winner, influenced by Tom Stanley's tip, while Nick chooses Johnny Who, also backed by Charlotte. The analysis blends professional insights with personal anecdotes, capturing the excitement and uncertainty ahead of the Grand National.

As heard by us

A win-only Grand National discussion that makes ground, pace and form justify every verdict.

The Grand National is given a clean, demanding frame: which of the 34 runners can actually win? Nick Luck and Lydia Hislop keep the conversation firmly in win-only territory, which lets them make sharper calls while still separating a possible frame player from a proper…

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Why you'd press play

You get 34 Randox Grand National runners put through one blunt test: chance or no chance to win?

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