Champ Kiely Horse emerges as Patrick Mullins flags value option for Randox Grand National 2026
Patrick Mullins has put champ kiely horse into the frame for the Randox Grand National 2026, saying the Willie Mullins-trained runner could upset better-known stablemates at Aintree. Speaking on the Grand National podcast, the rider and race analyst pointed to the horse’s weight, jumping style and adaptability as reasons for interest. The focus now turns to whether champ kiely horse can translate that profile into a strong showing on the day.
Patrick Mullins sees a horse with upside
Patrick Mullins said champ kiely horse stands out because he is a Grade 1 winner over hurdles and fences and remains relatively unexposed. He added that the horse missed plenty of time early in his career, which leaves room for further progress even at an older age. In his view, the 11st 1lb mark is a “great racing weight, ” and he expects the horse to travel well.
He also highlighted the horse’s jumping and ground versatility. Mullins described the jumping as “low and quick” and said the horse looks adaptable in terms of conditions. The one major question, he said, is whether champ kiely horse will fully switch off in the race.
Champ Kiely Horse and the Closutton picture
The discussion lands in a race where Closutton already has stronger public names. Nick Rockett led a 1-2-3 for the yard 12 months ago, with I Am Maximus finishing second in that renewal, and Patrick Mullins said he would be surprised if Paul Townend did not ride I Am Maximus again.
At the same time, Nick Rockett has returned to action after missing an intended comeback at Punchestown in November. He was beaten into third behind Gerri Colombe at Down Royal last month, and Patrick Mullins said the horse “did the bare minimum” but came out of it well and now needs to improve. That context is part of why champ kiely horse is being framed as a possible value option rather than the headline name.
What the form and market are saying
The market view is less generous to the horse than Mullins’ tone. Champ kiely horse is listed at 80/1 for the 2026 Grand National, and the profile attached to the runner notes that he beat Ballyburn in a three-mile novice chase at Punchestown last season before his form slipped. Even so, that earlier performance remains the clearest support for his chance.
For now, the key points are straightforward: champ kiely horse has a Grade 1 background, a workable weight, and the backing of a rider who sees more potential than many others may have priced in. If the horse settles and jumps with the same economy Mullins described, he could be more competitive than the wider market expects. The next major test will be whether that case holds up once the Grand National field sets off at Aintree.
