Goraibhmaithagat: Will Bettors Celebrate Victory at 2026 Irish National?
Goraibhmaithagat arrives at Fairyhouse as one of the more talked-about staying prospects for the 2026 Irish National. The six-year-old carries a name that means “thank you” in Irish. Connections hope the sentiment will be earned on race day.
Pedigree and ownership
The horse is owned by JP McManus and bred by Noreen McManus. Noreen’s breeding record includes top-level stayers such as Synchronised and Inothewayurthinkin. She also bred Festival winner Limerick Lace and Showurappreciation, who is entered in the same Irish National.
Recent form and preparations
Goraibhmaithagat has contested six chases since November. He claimed a Listed chase victory at Naas and finished a close second in the Leinster National Handicap Chase. That latest run came over 3m1f, showing he handles extended trips.
Race specifics
The Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse is set at about 3m5f with 30 fences. The race provides a stiffer stamina test than the Leinster National. Connections have openly targeted this event as the spring focal point.
Trainer background
Colm Murphy trains the horse from Wexford. His CV includes major wins with Brave Inca and Big Zeb, plus a Cheltenham handicap success with Empire Of Dirt. Murphy stepped away from training in 2016, returned in 2019, and has been rebuilding a strong yard since.
Strengths and doubts
There are clear selling points. He is lightly raced, improving, and bred to stay. Ownership by JP McManus lends patience and ambition. Market moves have reflected growing support, with a fall from about 16/1 to near 10/1.
Questions remain over jumping. Reports noted sloppy fences in the Naas Listed success. The Irish National’s 30 obstacles will demand faultless jumping. The depth of opposition also matters, with likely entries from leading yards such as Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott.
| Age | Six |
| Trainer | Colm Murphy |
| Owner | JP McManus |
| Breeder | Noreen McManus |
| Runs since November | 6 chases |
| Notable recent form | Listed win at Naas; 2nd in Leinster National |
| Irish National trip | Approx. 3m5f, 30 fences |
| Market movement | From ~16/1 to ~10/1 |
On balance, Goraibhmaithagat looks a solid, workmanlike candidate for Fairyhouse. If his jumping stays sound and he handles the extra half-mile, he could improve again. Filmogaz.com thinks the chance is real.
Goraibhmaithagat could leave bettors celebrating victory at the 2026 Irish National if he answers jumping and stamina questions.
