With 34 Grand National runners lining up for the world’s most famous steeplechase, everyone has their own “system” of trying to find the big Aintree winner.
Some folks just pick a name they like or a set of colors that stands out, while the seasoned punters are usually neck-deep in form guides and historical data.
But if you’re looking for that EXTRA edge, there’s one specific trend that’s been quietly doing okay since 2017.
You’ll definitely want to check out the full 2026 Grand National trends here, but this one “headgear stat” is too good to ignore.
Finding Grand National Winner: The Power of the Tongue-tie 😛
Here is the reality: FIVE of the last EIGHT Grand National winners were wearing a tongue-tie. That is a solid 63% strike rate.
If you aren’t familiar with the gear, a tongue-tie is declared by the trainer before the race and listed right there on your racecard alongside things like blinkers or cheekpieces.
It’s a small piece of equipment – like a big elastic band that keeps the tongue tied down.
But, for whatever reason – it’s clearly making a huge difference at Aintree.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that the last two winners Nick Rockett and I Am Maximus, didn’t wear one – but even then, the 2024 runner-up Delta Work did.
While last year’s 4th Iroko also sported the tongue-tie.
Watch: Tiger Roll Sporting a Tongue-tie In The 2028 Grand National
What About Before The 2024 Grand National?
It was a total ‘tongue-tie’ lockout (well, almost).
We’re talking Corach Rambler (2023), Minella Times (2021), the legendary Tiger Roll (2018 & 2019), and One For Arthur (2017).
Every single one of them had that strap on (no….not that kind!!!)
It gets even more compelling when you widen the net.
The only winner in this recent stretch (2017 to 2023) who didn’t use a tongue-tie was Noble Yeats in 2022 – and even he wasn’t “naked,” as he was sporting a pair of cheekpieces.
When you add it all up, 6 of the last 8 National winners (75%) wore some form of headgear across the finish line.
If you’re trying to narrow down the field this year, checking the “headgear” column might be the smartest move you make.
Which 2026 Grand National Runners Are Wearing A Tongue-tie?👅
- Jagwar
- Iroko
- Stellar Story
- Spanish Harlem
- Mr Vango
- Firefox
- Beauport
Grand National Winners Since 2017
- 2025 – Nick Rockett – No headgear
- 2024 I Am Maximus – No headgear
- 2023 Corach Rambler – Tongue-tie
- 2022 Noble Yeats – Cheekpieces
- 2021 Minella Times – Tongue-tie
- 2020 No Race –
- 2019 Tiger Roll – Tongue-tie/Blinkers
- 2018 Tiger Roll – Tongue-tie/Cheekpieces
- 2017 One For Arthur – Tongue-tie
What Is A Tongue-tie In Horse Racing?
So, what exactly is a tongue-tie, and why do you see it so often in the parade ring?
Essentially, it’s a simple strap or band that goes into the horse’s mouth and around the lower jaw.
Its job is to keep the tongue securely in place, so it doesn’t flip over the bit.
While that might sound like a small equipment choice, it actually plays a massive role in how a horse performs under pressure.
Here are the three main reasons trainers reach for the Tongue-tie:
Better Control for the Jockey: This is the big one. If a horse gets its tongue over the bit, the jockey loses that direct connection and leverage.
A tongue-tie keeps everything where it should be, ensuring the rider stays in the driver’s seat from start to finish.
Keeping the Airways Clear: When a horse is galloping at top speed, they need every bit of oxygen they can get.
Many experts believe a tongue-tie helps optimize airflow by preventing the tongue from sliding back and physically blocking the airway.
Preventing “Choking Down” (DDSP): You might hear racing folk talk about Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate.
It’s a bit of a mouthful, but it basically means the soft palate shifts and obstructs breathing.
A tongue-tie is often used as a preventative measure to keep the throat anatomy stable, making sure the horse doesn’t “choke” when the lungs are working the hardest.
How To Know If A Grand National Horse Is Wearing a Tongue-Tie
You can find out if a horse is wearing a tongue-tie on the daily racecards.
See the example below – with the lowercase ‘t’ just after the horse’s name ‘Firefox’.
This indicated the horse has been declared to wear a tongue-tie in the race.
Other headear is shown as.
- t – Tongue-tie
- v – Visor
- b – Blinkers
- p – Cheekpieces
- h – Hood
- es – Eyeshields
