The Grand National 2026 at Aintree promises another thrilling showdown with 34 declared runners and reserves ready to step in. This comprehensive guide breaks down each contender’s form, weight, strengths, and prospects, highlighting key factors for race day success. Analysis draws from recent performances, track records, and expert insights to identify top chances.
Top Weights and Key Contenders
1. I AM MAXIMUS (10yo, 11st 12lb)
This 10-year-old carries top weight as one of two past winners. He followed his 2024 triumph by pushing Nick Rockett to the Elbow last year before tiring. Recent highlights include a Grade One second in December and fifth in the Irish Gold Cup. Handicaps point to stronger rivals, yet his Aintree affinity boosts podium hopes.
Verdict: Each-way contender on track form, but no top-weight victor since the 1970s.
2. NICK ROCKETT (9yo, 11st 11lb)
Last year’s winner qualified via a chase this season, finishing seven lengths behind Gerri Colombe at Down Royal last month. His extended break post-National remains unexplained, but just 4lb higher, he could contend if regaining peak condition.
Verdict: Well-weighted for a challenge, though recent long absence raises doubts.
3. BANBRIDGE (10yo, 11st 11lb)
Boasts three Grade One chase wins, including the 2024 King George VI at Kempton, nearly adding another this season. Joseph O’Brien’s charge underperformed in the Ryanair at Cheltenham, aligning with patchy elite form, and lacks proof over this distance. O’Brien recently stated, “If it was three miles, I’d fancy him.”
Verdict: Elite at peak but inconsistent and untested at marathon trips.
4. GRANGECLARE WEST (10yo, 11st 10lb)
Broke a chasing drought in February’s Bobbyjo Chase, a key National trial, and placed third here last year. A late blunder cost him dearly against Nick Rockett, but jumping lapses persist. Extra weight adds concerns.
Verdict: Strong last-year third, but jumping flaws could undo him.
5. GERRI COLOMBE (10yo, 11st 10lb)
Five Grade One chase victories mark an outstanding resume despite injury layoffs. Last top win came in Aintree’s Bowl two years ago. Recent Down Royal success in a small field followed a Bobbyjo second, but younger progressives hold sway.
Verdict: Proven against elites before, yet faces tougher opposition now.
6. HAITI COULEURS (9yo, 11st 10lb)
Welsh Grand National winner shows 1P11P form this term, with pulls in Grade Ones like the Cheltenham Gold Cup where he led long. Rebecca Curtis revived him post-Betfair Chase for a Chepstow romp. This powerful type suits big weights over Aintree’s loops.
Verdict: Classic stamina chaser with track strengths, despite latest flop.
7. SPILLANE’S TOWER (8yo, 11st 8lb)
Declared after possibly skipping Thursday’s Bowl due to ground. Jimmy Mangan eyes a second National win since Monty’s Pass in 2003. Age, form, and weight favor him, but Cheltenham Gold Cup absence questions four-mile stamina.
Verdict: Progressive eight-year-old, but final stages test unproven.
8. FIREFOX (8yo, 11st 4lb)
Consistent in top company without frequent wins, gaining from leading runners. Gordon Elliott’s gelding peaked in February’s Irish Gold Cup over three miles but emptied in Cheltenham’s Gold Cup. Extra distance unlikely to help.
Verdict: Lacked stamina at Cheltenham; extra mile doubts.
9. MONTY’S STAR (9yo, 11st 3lb)
Henry de Bromhead’s nine-year-old nears Grade One glory without breakthrough. Solid sixth in Irish Gold Cup despite early move, but lagged in prior handicap. Viable if stars align, not standout value.
Verdict: Matches rating; limited upside versus rivals.
10. SPANISH HARLEM (8yo, 11st 3lb)
Seemed primed for Thyestes Chase victory like Nick Rockett pre-National, unseating late. Bobbyjo pull-up followed, testing Willie Mullins’ revival skills for race contention.
Verdict: Best form hints chance, latest run erases it.
11. LECKY WATSON (8yo, 11st 2lb)
Grade One novice win last season contrasts poor current fence runs. Needs massive turnaround for contention.
Verdict: Far below novice highs across four starts this year.
12. CHAMP KIELY (10yo, 11st 1lb)
Grade One scorer over hurdles and fences, lightly raced post-layoff. Irish Gold Cup fade signals trip mismatch.
Verdict: Talented but no distance evidence on handicap bow.
13. IROKO (8yo, 11st 1lb)
Olly Greenall and Josh Guerriero’s duo leads British fightback post-Cheltenham. Fourth behind Nick Rockett last year; recent Cheltenham dip less ideal than stablemate Jagwar.
Verdict: Solid prior Aintree run, but latest form middling.
14. FAVORI DE CHAMPDOU (11yo, 11st 1lb)
Eleven-year-olds winless since 2014 (0-83), but Gordon Elliott’s charge peaks: 66-1 handicap win, strong Cheltenham cross-country runs. Trainer’s path mirrored past winners.
Verdict: Age against trends, but proven prep route.
15. THREE CARD BRAG (9yo, 11st 0lb)
Consistent jumper, 11th last year after pace-setting fade. 10lb higher demands progress lacking signs.
Verdict: Failed stamina test last time; mid-pack likely.
16. OSCARS BROTHER (8yo, 10st 13lb)
Connor King’s small-string star, ridden by brother Daniel, bought cheaply by dad. Progressive novice; Grade One fourth at festival. Ideal modern profile.
Verdict: Compelling story, form, and upside.
17. MR VANGO (10yo, 10st 12lb)
Missed cut last year post-staying wins. Sara Bradstock’s popular leader needs soft ground; mark now race-high.
Verdict: Front-running fan favorite, but weight and ground issues.
18. HIGH CLASS HERO (9yo, 10st 11lb)
Sandown favorite early, Punchestown return solid, but recent pull-ups signal decline.
Verdict: Requires revival; poor finishes unpromising.
19. STELLAR STORY (9yo, 10st 11lb)
Competitive in Grade Ones post-Cheltenham novice second. Frame and breeding suit marathons; potentially light.
Verdict: Low wins but attractive weight if stays.
20. BEAUPORT (10yo, 10st 11lb)
Targeted return after 12th last year; recent hurdles hint prep, but form absent.
Verdict: Needs peak revival unseen this season.
21. CAPTAIN CODY (8yo, 10st 10lb)
Scottish Grand National novice winner struggles since; Thyestes favorite flopped.
Verdict: Youthful talent burdened by prior success.
22. JAGWAR (7yo, 10st 10lb)
Greenall/Guerriero’s seven-year-old outran Iroko in Ultima; Mark Walsh rides. Improving profile suits forgiving fences.
Verdict: Youth, weight, progress: perfect modern fit.
23. PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS (9yo, 10st 9lb)
Fancied last year with Walsh but fell early. Recent Gold Cup pull-up, modest Grade Three.
Verdict: Prior promise faded; form lacking.
24. GORGEOUS TOM (8yo, 10st 9lb)
Henry de Bromhead’s right-aged runner; Coral Gold Cup fourth despite start loss. Big-field ready.
Verdict: Improving from top yard; each-way appeal.
25. THE REAL WHACKER (10yo, 10st 9lb)
Cheltenham Grade One novice win long faded; recent no-shows despite lighter load.
Verdict: Past glory behind; tail-end probable.
26. QUAI DE BOURBON (7yo, 10st 9lb)
Willie Mullins’ squad finisher; standout Irish Grand National third. Blinkers aided last run.
Verdict: Needs top form return versus re-opposer.
27. ANSWER TO KAYF (10yo, 10st 8lb)
Bobbyjo fourth but stamina, jumping, ground queries abound.
Verdict: Multiple doubts for true test.
28. JORDANS (7yo, 10st 8lb)
O’Brien’s Melbourne Cup bid companion; Aintree Grade One second last year. Leopardstown dip noted.
Verdict: Trip suits, but perhaps premature.
29. FINAL ORDERS (10yo, 10st 5lb)
Cross-country specialist beat Favori at Cheltenham; older profile vulnerable.
Verdict: Thriving yet youth-challenged.
30. MARBLE SANDS (10yo, 10st 5lb)
Topham also-ran; stamina surprise at Cheltenham, but jumps form short.
Verdict: Versatile filler.
31. PANIC ATTACK (10yo, 10st 5lb)
Dan Skelton’s mare doubles big handicaps; Coral Gold Cup demolition. No mare winner since 1951.
Verdict: Historic shot if stamina holds.
32. TOP OF THE BILL (10yo, 10st 5lb)
Haydock Trial second; falters in class, moody.
Verdict: Outpaced by speedsters.
33. JOHNNYWHO (9yo, 10st 4lb)
Ultima winner over Jagwar; Irish GN fade concerns distance.
Verdict: Close if stays.
34. TWIG (11yo, 10st 4lb)
Becher winner, last year’s British second (12th). Bonus chase unlikely upgrade.
Verdict: Outclassed by pace.
Reserves
Reserves enter by 1pm Friday if needed.
1. PIED PIPER (8yo, 10st 3lb)
Royal breeding from Queen’s mare; recent falls dim prospects.
Verdict: Pedigree for Classics, not this.
2. IMPERIAL SAINT (8yo, 10st 2lb)
Ultima eighth; needs fortune.
3. AMIRITE (10yo, 10st 2lb)
Level stayer, outmatched.
4. AIN’T THAT A SHAME (12yo, 10st 2lb)
Declined post-sixth two years ago.
5. SOUL ICON (9yo, 10st 1lb)
Topham experience, trip too far.
6. HYLAND (9yo, 10st 1lb)
Ultima sixth; Nicky Henderson waits.
