Aintree prepares to host the Grand National 2026, with a field of 34 runners. The key details have been released, covering runners, riders, trainers and form.
Key Runners and Their Chances
Grangeclare West, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, enters the race with a weight of 11-12. Gina notes that this horse won in 2024 and finished second to Nick Rockett last year. According to Gina, the Aintree specialist has another excellent chance this year, off just a 1lb higher mark.
Monty’s Star, trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by JJ Slevin, carries a weight of 11-11. Gina mentions that Monty’s Star won the King George in 2024 and nearly repeated the feat at Kempton this season. While he’ll likely get his preferred faster surface, doubts remain over his ability to stay the trip.
Panic Attack, another Willie Mullins entry ridden by Patrick Mullins, has a weight of 11-10. John highlights that this horse finished third last year, beaten by just three lengths, after being hampered at fence 25 and making a mistake at the last fence. John suggests that with more patient tactics, even more can be expected.
I Am Maximus, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, also carries 11-10. Gina notes that I Am Maximus has improved with every run this season, including an excellent second to Grangeclare West in the Bobbyjo Chase. He is a former winner of the Betfred Bowl at this meeting and deserves his first attempt at the race.
Ground Conditions Key for Jordans
Jordans, trained by Rebecca Curtis and ridden by Sean Bowen, is set to run with a weight of 11-10. John points out that Jordans has had fabulous victories in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow and the Denman Chase at Newbury. Jordans was sent off as a 6-1 chance for the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month, but the drying ground was against him.
John suggests that a soft-ground National gives him real hope, while dry conditions would not be ideal. Jordans is rated 5/10, growing to 7/10 on soft ground and has odds of 14-1.
Stamina Concerns for Some Runners
Another Gordon Elliott-trained horse, with Keith Donoghue in the saddle, will carry 11-4. Gina notes that unproven stamina may be a factor.
Important Information
- The Grand National 2026 features 34 runners.
- Approximate odds may change.
- The field is subject to change until 13:00 BST on 10 April.
The Grand National 2026 promises an exciting race at Aintree, with the final field subject to confirmation closer to the event.