Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Panic Attack finished third in last month's Mares Chase at the Cheltenham Festival
ByAndy Swiss, BBC Sport correspondent and Callum Matthews, BBC Sport senior journalist- Published1 hour ago
Panic Attack has "all the qualities" needed to become the first mare to win the Grand National in 75 years, says her trainer Dan Skelton.
The 10-year-old has been popular in the market for Saturday's showpiece and is vying for favouritism alongside 2024 winner I Am Maximus.
But history is stacked against her, with Nickel Coin the last mare - which is a mature female horse typically aged four or older - to win the four and a quarter mile race at Aintree in 1951.
Magic of Light was the last to place in the race, finishing second in 2019 for Irish trainer Jessica Harrington.
Panic Attack was third in her last run in the Mares Chase at Cheltenham Festival in March - but had won her previous three races, including the well-regarded Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November and Coral Gold Cup at Newbury two weeks apart.
"I love that a mare hasn't won it for that long because it means there is going to be one soon enough - right?" Skelton told BBC Sport.
"I think, probably, there hasn't been a mare for so long because there hasn't been many take the challenge.
"All of our qualities are what you need to win the race - she has a great temperament, she jumps well, she'll handle the ground, she'll handle the occasion beforehand.
"The four-mile 2f trip is a long way for a horse to run and jump so you need to be sure you'll get that marathon trip and everything about her suggests she will.
"I think a mare will win pretty soon and hopefully it's this week."
Grand National 2026
Saturday 11 April, 16:00 BST
Aintree
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Panic Attack will be ridden by Dan's brother Harry in the race that goes off at 16:00 BST on Saturday.
Dan Skelton is closing in on winning the British Trainers' Championship for the first time and has made history by becoming the first to cross £4m in prize money in a season.
He said they will not be nervous beforehand and will instead be excited by having a "great participant" in the race.
"We run a lot of horses through the year - I won't say it's just another race because it's not," said Skelton.
"It's the most exciting race of the year and that's why I'm here talking to you and listeners and viewers all want to talk about this race, which is great.
"It is the ultimate for our sport. It is a national institution, a phenomenal race and something that everyone takes interest in.
"We're very proud to be able to host it in our sport and to be able to headline it would be phenomenal and a lifetime achievement."
