Grand National 2026: Racing Legends Split on Favorites as Aintree Showdown Approaches
The 2026 Grand National at Aintree is set for a thrilling 4pm BST start today, with racing icons AP McCoy, Ruby Walsh, and Rachael Blackmore offering divergent predictions for the iconic steeplechase. Notably, neither Walsh nor Blackmore has placed their faith in the morning favorite, I Am Maximus, creating an intriguing pre-race narrative.
Favorites and Absentees Shape the Race
The full list of runners and riders is now confirmed, but the field will be without the 2025 champion, Nick Rockett, who was withdrawn on Thursday morning due to a cough. This absence shifts significant attention to I Am Maximus, the 2024 winner and last year's runner-up. Trained by Willie Mullins, this gelding aims to join the elite group of just nine horses to win the Grand National multiple times.
AP McCoy's Confident Backing of the Favorite
Sir AP McCoy, who triumphed in the 2010 Grand National aboard Don't Push It, is firmly supporting I Am Maximus to deliver another victory for owner JP McManus. "I actually thought I Am Maximus was a bit unlucky not to win back-to-back Grand Nationals," McCoy told the Echo. "I fancy him again to carry top weight, and I still think he's got a very good chance."
McCoy acknowledged the potential of Iroko but remained steadfast in his choice. "I thought Iroko ran such a great race last year. He's going to be much better off having that experience. But I'm going to stick with I Am Maximus. I think he's a classy horse. He was unlucky not to win last year, and he's ran a couple of great ones in Ireland. He ran the big race in Leopardstown, the Gold Cup. I still think he's a class horse, and I think he can carry the weight."
Ruby Walsh and Robbie Power Favor Grangeclare West
In contrast, former jockey and ITV analyst Ruby Walsh is backing Grangeclare West, who finished third in last year's race. Walsh expressed his views on Paddy Power's From the Horses Mouth Podcast, citing ground conditions as a critical factor. "I think Grangeclare West was unlucky last year," Walsh said. "When you watch back the race, he was plenty close to a strong pace, and a mistake at the last, I think, cost him the race."
Walsh highlighted the drying ground and strong wind forecast, which he believes could disadvantage I Am Maximus. "I think the drying ground – the forecast is dry from here on – and the wind is quite strong. So, talking to the lads after racing, they felt it was beautiful and safe ground, but it is on the drier side. I think that caught I Am Maximus out last year, and I think it will catch him out again. I see him as a place chance."
Robbie Power, the 2007 Grand National winner on Silver Birch, echoed Walsh's sentiment in comments to Boyle Sports. "He ran very well in the race last year, and I think he was unlucky as he made a mistake at the wrong time at the last fence. With that experience under his belt, I think he's the one they all have to beat this year."
Rachael Blackmore's Outsider Pick: Monty's Star
2021 Grand National winner Rachael Blackmore is looking beyond the favorites, selecting Monty's Star as a potential winner for trainer Henry de Bromhead. "I think he'll enjoy the ground over there. He's a fantastic jumper, and I think he could run a big race," Blackmore told Metro. "Henry doesn't bring anything over if he doesn't think they have a big chance, and this horse has grade one form."
Blackmore noted Monty's Star's recent form and resilience. "He was second to Fact To File in Cheltenham. He's had a little setback after that run, but he seems to be back. He had a good run this year, and I think he'll enjoy the ground. He'll enjoy a lot about what the Grand National is about, and I think he could run a big race."
Matt Chapman's Sentimental Choice: Iroko
ITV presenter Matt Chapman has thrown his support behind Iroko, highlighting a potential sentimental story. "What a story this could be," Chapman told Paddy Power. "Jonjo O'Neill never won the Grand National as a jockey, but I'm sure he'd get a big kick if his son Jonjo O'Neill Jr achieved the feat."
Chapman analyzed Iroko's recent performances, dismissing a poor showing at Cheltenham. "Iroko was a plodding fourth last year and is now 5lb higher in the handicap. However, he's relatively young and has a lovely racing weight of 11st 1lb – forget his run at Cheltenham, where he scoped dirty. Prior to that, he did well to stuff Firefox at Ascot. As for Iroko himself, he's always been a horse with loads of talent, and of course banged in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham in 2023."
As the anticipation builds for the 4pm BST start at Aintree, these expert insights reveal a deeply competitive field, with legends divided on who will claim the 2026 Grand National title.
