Grand National 2026: A Complete Horse-by-Horse Analysis
The 2026 Grand National at Aintree is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with 34 contenders vying for glory in one of the world's most prestigious steeplechases. Last year's winner, I Am Maximus, returns as the favorite, but the field is packed with talented challengers. Here, we provide an in-depth guide to every runner, assessing their form, weight, and prospects for Saturday's race.
Top Contenders and Favorites
I Am Maximus (age 10, weight 11st 12lb) heads the weights as a previous winner, having triumphed in 2024. He backed up that success with a strong performance last year, pressing Nick Rockett before fading. With a second in a Grade One in December and a fifth in the Irish Gold Cup, he shows Aintree aptitude, though no top-weight winner has succeeded since the 1970s. He remains an each-way hope.
Nick Rockett (9yo, 11st 11lb), last year's winner, qualified with a run at Down Royal but has had a long absence, raising concerns. Weighted to go close, his form and mood will be critical.
Banbridge (10yo, 11st 11lb) boasts three Grade One wins, including the King George VI Chase, but is inconsistent and unproven over long trips, making him a risky bet.
Strong Challengers with Aintree Experience
Grangeclare West (10yo, 11st 10lb) ended a losing run by winning the Bobbyjo Chase and was third in last year's National. However, jumping errors and extra weight could hinder his chances.
Gerri Colombe (10yo, 11st 10lb) has five Grade One wins but has struggled since April 2024, with only a weak victory at Down Royal recently. He may find younger rivals too strong.
Haiti Couleurs (9yo, 11st 10lb), the Welsh Grand National winner, is an old-fashioned chaser capable of carrying big weight. His poor latest run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup is a concern, but if at his best, he could be a force.
Promising Youngsters and Dark Horses
Spillane's Tower (8yo, 11st 8lb) represents a small family operation and is improving, but stamina over four miles is a question mark.
Firefox (8yo, 11st 4lb) rarely runs badly but didn't stay at Cheltenham, making the extra mile at Aintree unlikely to suit.
Monty's Star (9yo, 11st 3lb) has knocked on the door of Grade One success but is weighted up to his best, with less scope for improvement than rivals.
Mid-Field Runners with Potential
Spanish Harlem (8yo, 11st 3lb) has a squeak on best form but ran poorly in the Bobbyjo, needing a major bounce-back.
Lecky Watson (8yo, 11st 2lb) has shown early promise but has been lacklustre this season, requiring a huge turnaround.
Champ Kiely (10yo, 11st 1lb) is a Grade One winner but stamina expired in the Irish Gold Cup, making the step up in trip doubtful.
British and Irish Hopefuls
Iroko (8yo, 11st 1lb) from Olly Greenall and Josh Guerriero's stable has Aintree experience but a less encouraging latest run.
Favori De Champdou (11yo, 11st 1lb) is following Gordon Elliott's tried-and-tested path via cross-country races, though age trends are against him.
Three Card Brag (9yo, 11st 0lb) didn't stay last year and is 10lb higher, likely set for mid-division.
Intriguing Stories and Underdogs
Oscars Brother (8yo, 10st 13lb) has a romantic backstory as half of a small stable and is a progressive novice, though he could have shown more in a Grade One.
Mr Vango (10yo, 10st 12lb) needs soft ground and has plenty of weight, but is a popular front-runner.
High Class Hero (9yo, 10st 11lb) has form that has fallen off a cliff, needing a major revival.
Second-Season Chasers and Improvers
Stellar Story (9yo, 10st 11lb) has an unimpressive strike-rate but a good racing weight if he stays the trip.
Beauport (10yo, 10st 11lb) has been targeted at Aintree but shows no signs of peak form.
Captain Cody (8yo, 10st 10lb) won the Scottish Grand National but has struggled this season with a big weight.
Young and Well-Weighted Contenders
Jagwar (7yo, 10st 10lb) is young, well-weighted, and improving, with an ideal profile for the National.
Perceval Legallois (9yo, 10st 9lb) was fancied last year but fell and is not in the same form.
Gorgeous Tom (8yo, 10st 9lb) is young and improving, with an intriguing each-way chance from a top stable.
Veterans and Specialists
The Real Whacker (10yo, 10st 9lb) was top-class as a novice but his best days seem behind him.
Quai De Bourbon (7yo, 10st 9lb) needs to return to his best form from the Irish Grand National.
Answer To Kayf (10yo, 10st 8lb) has stamina, going, and jumping doubts, unlikely to be thereabouts.
Progressive Runners and Mares
Jordans (7yo, 10st 8lb) from Joseph O'Brien's stable should suit the trip and ground, but this might be a year too soon.
Final Orders (10yo, 10st 5lb) is thriving in cross-country events but vulnerable to quicker contenders.
Marble Sands (10yo, 10st 5lb) is versatile but a long way short of what's needed.
Notable Mares and Plodders
Panic Attack (10yo, 10st 5lb) is a mare with a strong chance, having won the Coral Gold Cup, but stamina over the extra mile is a concern.
Top Of The Bill (10yo, 10st 5lb) is a plodder likely to be run off his feet.
Johnnywho (9yo, 10st 4lb) has a big chance if he stays, though Irish National form last year is a worry.
Reserves and Long Shots
Twig (11yo, 10st 4lb) won the Becher Chase but is unlikely to fare better against these rivals.
Reserves include Pied Piper with an impeccable pedigree but poor recent form, and others like Imperial Saint and Ain't That A Shame who are unlikely to make the final field. The deadline for reserves is 1pm on Friday.
This Grand National promises intense competition, with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Weather conditions and last-minute changes could sway the outcome, making it a must-watch event for racing enthusiasts.
