The 2026 Grand National is fast approaching, with 34 horses set to compete at Aintree. BBC Radio 5 Live’s John Hunt and Gina Bryce have provided their expert analysis on each of the contenders. Here’s a look at some of the key runners, their trainers, jockeys, and recent form.
Willie Mullins’ Duo: Grangeclare West and Panic Attack
Willie Mullins has two strong contenders in Grangeclare West and Panic Attack. Grangeclare West, aged 10 and carrying 11-12, will be ridden by Paul Townend. Gina notes that this horse won in 2024 and finished second to stablemate Nick Rockett last year. She believes the Aintree specialist has another excellent chance this year, off just a 1lb higher mark.
Panic Attack, also trained by Willie Mullins, is a 10-year-old carrying 11-10 and will have Patrick Mullins in the saddle. John highlights that Panic Attack finished third last year, beaten by just three lengths. He believes it was an excellent effort from a horse who has always had a touch of class. John also notes that the horse was hampered at fence 25 and made a mistake at the last fence.
Joseph O’Brien’s Monty’s Star and Gordon Elliott’s Jagwar
Monty’s Star, trained by Joseph O’Brien, is a 10-year-old carrying 11-11 and will be ridden by JJ Slevin. Gina points out that Monty’s Star won the King George in 2024 and nearly repeated the feat at Kempton this season. However, she has doubts about his ability to stay the trip, having struggled over a testing three miles in the past.
Gordon Elliott trains Jagwar, a 10-year-old carrying 11-10 with Jack Kennedy as the jockey. Gina notes that Jagwar has improved with every run this season. She highlights his excellent second to Grangleclare West in Ireland’s renowned Grand National trial, the Bobbyjo Chase. She adds that he is a former winner of the Betfred Bowl at this meeting and deserves this first stab at the race.
Rebecca Curtis’ Jordans: A Soft Ground Specialist?
Jordans, trained by Rebecca Curtis and ridden by Sean Bowen, is a 9-year-old carrying 11-10. John notes that Jordans has firmly established himself as one of the stars of the 2025-26 season. This is due to victories in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow and the Denman Chase at Newbury. According to John, the drying ground at the Cheltenham Gold Cup was against him. He believes a soft-ground National gives him real hope, but dry conditions would not be ideal. His rating is 5/10, growing to 7/10 on soft ground, with odds of 14-1.
Jimmy Mangan trains another possible contender. However, according to Gina, it may be unlikely to run if the ground is not to his liking.