Kerry National 2026: Runners, Odds, Time and Prize Money
Listowel is where the jumping season starts clearing its throat. The Kerry National 2026 brings Galway rivals back together, puts a €200,000 prize fund on the table and asks whether summer form survives a different examination. King Alexander arrives with the Galway Plate on his CV, but three miles around here demand more than a familiar name at the top of the market.
Race time and prize money
The Guinness Kerry National is scheduled for 4.15pm Irish time on Wednesday 23 September. It is a Grade 3 handicap chase at Listowel, with an 18-runner field and three reserves on the declaration list.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | Approximately three miles |
| Advertised distance | 2m 7f 180yds |
| Total prize fund | €200,000 |
| Scheduled start | 4.15pm |
| Going at the latest check | Good |
The prize fund covers the race as a whole, rather than the winner alone. Going and participation can change before the off, so the final check matters even after declarations have been published.
Kerry National runners: the declared field
These are the 18 horses holding places in the field at the time of checking. The reserves remain separate and need a vacancy before taking part.
| No. | Runner | No. | Runner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Dynamite | 10 | Conyers Hill |
| 2 | Funiculi Funicula | 11 | Spread Boss Ted |
| 3 | King Alexander | 12 | Uncle Pat |
| 4 | Will The Wise | 13 | Ballygunner Castle |
| 5 | Jesse Evans | 14 | Doctor Ken |
| 6 | Ol Man Dingle | 15 | You Oughta Know |
| 7 | Downmexicoway | 16 | Kings Hill |
| 8 | Nowwhatdoyouthink | 17 | Look To The West |
| 9 | Perceval Legallois | 18 | Weveallbeencaught |
Reserves: Meet And Greet, A Penny A Hundred and Yoradreamer.
Galway form gives the race its argument
King Alexander won the Galway Plate and returns under Daniel King. His handicap mark has risen by 8lb to 148, which means this is a fresh assignment rather than a simple request to repeat July’s performance.
Downmexicoway finished fifth at Galway. The longer trip makes him interesting, although he still needs to jump fluently enough to exploit it. Stamina is an argument for improvement, not proof that improvement will happen.
Nowwhatdoyouthink, fourth in the Plate, represents Gordon Elliott with Jack Kennedy booked. Funiculi Funicula has Paul Townend aboard and a Galway disappointment to put behind him.
Kerry National odds: four names in the conversation
The familiar summer faces are back, with a new price attached to every question.
A €10 win bet at 6.50 returns €65 if successful, including the stake. An each-way bet splits into two stakes, so €5 each way costs €10 in total. Before taking an each-way price, compare the number of places and the place fraction. A bigger win price can come with less attractive place terms. Check non-runners and any applicable deductions too.
