How to bet on the 2026 Grand National: Essential tipping guide to the Aintree showpiece
Ahead of the 2026 Grand National at Aintree, Sports News Blitz’s racing expert Kieran McHugh explains how you can bet on the world’s most famous steeplechase.
One of the most famous horse races in the world, the Grand National has always been a longstanding fixture in British culture.
One of few races on the calendar that generates intrigue across the planet, from seasoned gambler to those just having a little each-way dabble.
Grand National 2026: Willie Mullins’ ten horses that could land him his third-straight Aintree victory
Willie Mullins has won the last two renewals of the Aintree Grand National and Sports News Blitz’s horse racing expert Kieran McHugh examines the ten horses that could see him win a third straight Grand National.
Willie Mullins is already a three-time Grand National winner and he bids to become the first trainer since Vincent O’Brien in the 1950s to win three-in-a-row.
He currently holds a ten-fold hand in the 2026 edition and the Closutton supremo’s runners will surely be of intrigue.
Rugby League news: St Helens vs Wigan and Bradford vs Leeds headline Super League’s rival round
Super League’s rival round is here, and it's looking tasty - Sports News Blitz writer Elliot Ward gives his thoughts on how he thinks the key games will pan out.
What is rival round?
Rival round is local derbies across the country, which are all played over one weekend's action; it falls on Easter weekend over the bank holiday. We should be in for some great action and high attendances.
IPL 2026 week one review: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma & Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shine
Five games into IPL 2026, a clear trend has emerged: chasing sides have won all five matches.
The superstars - Virat Kohli (69 vs SRH) and Rohit Sharma (78 vs KKR) - wasted no time stamping authority.
But the breakout story belongs to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
The 15-year-old sensation lit up the opening week with a sensational joint third-fastest half-century in IPL history, giving us a glimpse of what lies ahead.
Here’s Sports News Blitz cricket writer Himanshu Sharma’s team-by-team review after the opening round of matches.
F1 opinion: Ferrari are right to be furious, Mercedes’ ‘innovation’ is just legal cheating
Here we go again. Different regulations, same circus, writes Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo.
Ferrari spend years preparing for a regulation reset, playing by the book, trying to build something competitive...and then along comes Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team with yet another “clever interpretation” that just happens to give it a massive edge.
Man Utd opinion: Harry Maguire’s convenient narrative on Ruben Amorim
Harry Maguire came out and said Ruben Amorim had “great ideas” but that they “just didn’t work at Manchester United.”
It sounded harmless on the surface. But listen closely, and there’s a subtle shift of responsibility.
The ideas didn’t work...at United. Not the players. Not the execution. Not the dressing room. The system.
That’s a dangerous narrative, writes Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo.
FA Cup betting tips: Man City to beat Liverpool, Gabriel Martinelli to score, and more FA Cup quarter-final betting tips
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from this weekend’s FA Cup TV games from Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher - including the big one between Manchester City and Liverpool on Saturday, April 4.
World’s best Ka Ying Rising goes for 19th consecutive win in Monday’s G2 Sprint Cup
After setting a new record for consecutive wins by a Hong Kong-trained horse, Zac Purton remains supremely confident Ka Ying Rising can extend his unbeaten streak in Easter Monday’s (6 April) HK$5.35 million (approx. £515,000) G2 Sprint Cup (6f/1200m) at Sha Tin.
Having surpassed Silent Witness’ previous record of 17 successive victories by landing a second HK$13 million (approx. £1.2m) G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, Ka Ying Rising returns bidding for a 19th successive win against six rivals at the public holiday Group 2 double-header, which also features the HK$5.35 million (approx. £515,000) G2 Chairman’s Trophy.
Soccer analysis: Can Thomas Tuchel’s England win FIFA World Cup 2026 without Harry Kane?
It was a disappointing international window for Thomas Tuchel and his England side after the Three Lions suffered a 1-0 loss to Japan on Tuesday. That defeat followed a 1-1 draw with Uruguay and further exposed some blatant cracks.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Matthew Morgan examines the potential weaknesses this England squad may have to face.
Player vs manager – Who matters more in football’s fragile environment?
From dazzling forwards to visionary managers, football success hinges on individuals who shape a club’s identity – indeed, the game has always been defined by its people. Yet, one question continues to divide fans, pundits, and executives alike: what is more damaging to a team, losing a key player or losing a manager?
The answer is far from simple as it depends on philosophy, structure, emotional connection, and ultimately the unique DNA of each club. Here, Sports News Blitz writer Joshua Topping explores the significance of both players and managers to determine who truly holds greater importance.
FA Cup news: West Ham vs Leeds Utd preview – Wembley awaits winner of quarter-final showdown
A huge occasion is brewing in East London this weekend as West Ham United and Leeds United go head-to-head for a place in the FA Cup semi-finals. It’s a remarkable prospect for either club and a perfect Easter Sunday football fix for fans.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Charlie Fawcett previews the clash.
Inside Abbie Eaton’s mindset for success in motorsport
Abbie Eaton has built a career in one of the most demanding corners of sport, combining elite-level racing with a clear-eyed view of what it takes to compete, adapt and break through.
In this exclusive interview with the High Performance Speakers Agency, Abbie Eaton reflects on what it takes to succeed in a male-dominated sport, the decisions that defined her racing career, and the mindset required to keep pushing when talent alone is not enough.
The Mental and Physical Preparation of Elite Athletes in the Esports Industry
Master the training secrets of elite esports athletes: neuro-athletics, diet, and ergonomics. Learn how to maintain peak performance and avoid career-ending injuries in pro gaming.
Monday Night Raw analysis: CM Punk’s revenge and new champions crowned in an action-packed night
As we continue on the path towards the biggest date in the wrestling calendar, we take a look at five things we learned from Monday Night Raw.
Sports News Blitz writer Joe Jones talks us through the action from Madison Square Garden.
F1 news: Lando Norris weighs in on the future of new regulations
McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris has given another damning verdict on the future of the 2026 F1 regulations
With three races now done and dusted, and a four-week gap until the next race, could further discussions about potential changes to the regulations be had in the meantime?
Sport New Blitz’s Oscar Trinick has more on this ongoing controversy.
NFL news: Nick Sirianni and Howie Roseman on A.J. Brown’s future: ‘Nothing’s changed there’
The height of NFL free agency has come and gone, and A.J. Brown still finds himself as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman are in a rut over how to approach the questions raised around Brown’s future with the franchise.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Luca Salmasi takes a closer look at Nick Sirianni and Howie Roseman’s comments on A.J. Brown and what this means for the Philadelphia Eagles moving forward.
MMA opinion: Five pathways ahead for Israel Adesanya after tough loss
Saturday night saw the former middleweight king Israel Adesanya fall to a fourth-consecutive loss after his defeat to American Joe Pyfer.
Fans, critics and even the man himself have mentioned retirement, but after an impassioned post-fight interview, the stage looks set for Adesanya to find his way back into the cage.
Sports News Blitz writer Freddie Thomas-Neher takes a closer look at how ‘The Last Stylebender’ can move forward.
Soccer opinion: Is it time for a new Big Six? Who replaces Tottenham Hotspur?
This season’s relegation battle has captured the attention of fans across the league, with tension building as the fight for survival intensifies.
Clubs such as West Ham United and Nottingham Forest are firmly in the mix, and the possibility of a high-profile side dropping out of the Premier League is becoming increasingly real.
However, the most shocking outcome of all would be if Tottenham Hotspur were to go down, who only sit one point above relegation, a scenario few would have predicted at the start of the campaign.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Tyler Cooke takes a closer look at whether Tottenham could be relegated and explores if it’s time for a new ‘Big Six’
F1 news: Toto Wolff addresses Christian Horner future and warns of ‘repercussions’
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has not always had the best relationship with the former Red Bull team principal.
Still, he denies attempting to block Christian Horner from returning to Formula One.
Horner was sacked last July, but tensions with Wolff have always been clear, especially during the 2021 title race between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Wolff’s latest comments tackle the implications of a possible Horner return.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Luca Salmasi takes a closer look at Toto Wolff’s thoughts on a potential Christian Horner return.
Premiership Rugby analysis: A detailed look at Newcastle Red Bulls’ 19 signings for next season
Newcastle Red Bulls, formally known as Newcastle Falcons, are currently undergoing a huge change within the club.
Red Bull bought Newcastle Falcons shortly before the start of the current season (July 1, 2025), not only buying the club but paying off large amounts of debt.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s rugby writer James Corrigan looks at the 19 signings for next season and what each one has to offer the team.