AUTHOR: Star Sports Content
GRAND NATIONAL 2026: Star Sports Pinstickers’ Guide
The 178th running of the Randox Grand National takes place at Aintree on Saturday 11 April 2026, with the world’s most famous steeplechase run over 4 miles 2½ furlongs and 30 fences, writes ANDY RICHMOND.
A maximum field of 34 runners will line up at 4.00pm for a £1 million prize fund.
This guide previews each likely runner, with trainer, jockey, age and weight and a star rating for each runner’s chance.
1. I Am Maximus ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Paul Townend
Age: 10-year-old
Weight: 11st 12lb
The 2024 Aintree hero and last year’s runner-up returns under top weight for the second year running. A fair fifth in the Irish Gold Cup on his most recent start and second in the Savills Chase before that. Proven over the National fences and clearly trained for this, but no horse aged 10 or older has won since 2014, and the burden of 11st 12lb is a serious task but on his past experience will stand him in good stead and there is the prospect of him running another sound race around a course that suits.
2. Nick Rockett ⭐⭐⭐
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Tom Bellamy
Age: 9-year-old
Weight: 11st 11lb
The defending champion, who gave Patrick Mullins a famous family victory last April when he was beautifully positioned throughout the contest, jumping and travelling well. Faced some setbacks before he made his belated seasonal return at Down Royal in March, where he was beaten about six lengths by Gerri Colombe when he was very much ridden with future targets in mind and handled with plenty of care. Bidding to become the first horse since Aldaniti to win the Grand National on his second outing of the campaign. Off a 4lb higher mark this year but one who should still be considered a contender.
NON RUNNER
3. Banbridge ⭐
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
Jockey: JJ Slevin
Age: 10-year-old
Weight: 11st 11lb
A high-class chaser who landed the King George VI in 2024 and was beaten only a nose by The Jukebox Man in the 2025 renewal. Last seen finishing third in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham but that was a rather lacklustre display (beaten 12L) and he would need to at least match either of his King George performances to have a chance here. Genuine class on his day, but he wants good ground and the marathon trip is a major question having never run beyond 3m.
4. Grangeclare West ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Mr Patrick Mullins
Age: 10-year-old
Weight: 11st 10lb
Unlucky third in last year’s race when blundering at the final fence and eventually beaten 3L, he returns this year off a 3lb higher mark. Below par in the Irish Gold Cup but rebounded in style by winning the Bobbyjo Chase by five and a half lengths on heavy ground — a key recent National pointer, having been won by both I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett en route to Aintree. A strong traveller, he may well catch the eye in-running but the fact that he can produce jumping errors at vital moments slightly tempers enthusiasm.
5. Gerri Colombe ⭐⭐
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Jack Kennedy
Age: 10-year-old
Weight: 11st 10lb
Former Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up whose career has been disrupted by injuries but it should be noted that he is a classy individual having won five times at Grade 1 level over fences. Beaten by Grangeclare West in the Bobbyjo (has a bit to find on that form) but had previously accounted for Nick Rockett at Down Royal. Class is not in doubt — durability and current form are the questions, although a win would put his trainer, Gordon Elliott alongside Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell as the most successful trainer in the history of the great race.
6. Haiti Couleurs ⭐⭐⭐
Trainer: Rebecca Curtis
Jockey: Sean Bowen
Age: 9-year-old
Weight: 11st 10lb
Welsh Grand National winner with top weight and 2025 Irish Grand National hero, ridden by champion jockey Sean Bowenwhose overall chase record (21111P11P) reads well. Pulled up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last time, his second below-par effort at Grade 1 level this season but stamina is no issue at all. Will need plenty of cut in the ground and the ability to bounce back from that Gold Cup disappointment as he bids to become the first Welsh-trained winner since Kirkland in 1905.
7. Spillane’s Tower ⭐⭐
Trainer: Jimmy Mangan
Jockey: Simon Torrens
Age: 8-year-old
Weight: 11st 8lb
Talented but unconventionally campaigned, with a couple of recent hurdle outings before reverting to fences and beating L’Homme Presse at Cheltenham when he was well treated at the weights and that form has been shown to be on the tepid side since. Stamina for 4m 2½f over the National fences is the obvious unknown and he would need some cut in the ground to take his part here having also been declared for the Aintree Bowl on Thursday.
8. Firefox ⭐
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Keith Donoghue
Age: 9-year-old
Weight: 11st 4lb
Both his chase wins have come at Down Royal on his return to action each season and there is the possibility that he’s best fresh. Sixth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and fourth in the Irish equivalent he was far from disgraced behind leading fancy for this race, Iroko earlier in the campaign and is clearly a smart performer, but stamina queries remain over this much-stiffer test and his current handicap mark looks to be a stiff one.
9. Monty’s Star ⭐⭐⭐
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe
Age: 9-year-old
Weight: 11st 3lb
Probably not won as many races as his talent suggested he would but he does tend to compete at the highest level and this return to handicap company may ease his task a little. Sixth in the Irish Gold Cup last time (shaped better than his finishing position) having been fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup the previous year. Down the field in the Coral Gold Cup but carrying top weight that day that was his last foray into handicap company but looks to have been campaigned with this in mind arriving here fresh (has run well off breaks before) and is the best of the four Henry De Bromhead could potentially run.
10. Spanish Harlem ⭐⭐
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Brian Hayes
Age: 8-year-old
Weight: 11st 3lb
Took a while to find his feet over fences getting off the mark at the 11th attempt at Punchestown before producing a career-best effort to follow up in the Kerry National at Listowel. Form figures since then that contain more letters than numbers (PUP), although he would have won the Thyestes had he not unseated his rider at the last when 2L clear. Pulled up in the Bobbyjo last time (never going well) he stays well, but his jumping is a worry, best with forcing tactics and on a sound surface.
11. Lecky Watson ⭐
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Sean O’Keeffe
Age: 8-year-old
Weight: 11st 2lb
Has shown nothing in Group One company this season since winning the Grade 1 Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival in 2025. That form has proven to be underwhelming and his two most recent outings have been blighted by jumping errors. Trained by a master of his craft it would still be a surprise if he could be rejuvenated enough to win a race of this quality and class.
12. Champ Kiely ⭐⭐⭐
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Danny Mullins
Age: 10-year-old
Weight: 11st 1lb
Topped off a good first season over fences when taking a Grade 1 3m1f novice chase at Punchestown last April and ran well on his seasonal return conceding weight to the winner over an inadequate trip (2m). Has failed to fire since then, especially in his two most recent outings, although conditions were far from ideal in the most recent contest, tends to come alive at this time of year and will appreciate the likely better ground, a sound jumper if his stamina holds out he would be considered as a lively outsider.
13. Iroko ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
Jockey: Jonjo O’Neil Jnr
Age: 8-year-old
Weight: 11st 1lb
Had his season geared around this race last year when he came from a long way back to finish a creditable fourth having been backed into favouritism. Did by far the best of those held up last year and that experience will prove invaluable this time around, although he returns off a 5lb higher mark. Given a wind op prior to this season’s campaign, the focus of which has been on this target once again his win at Ascot in December set his stall out for this but he suffered a setback last time in the Ultima at Cheltenham with a unconvincing display although he was said to have been under a cloud at the time. Could well bounce back although softer ground would be preferable, one of two fine chances his joint trainers, Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero have in the race (also saddle Jagwar).
14. Favori De Champdou ⭐⭐⭐
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Danny Gilligan
Age: 11-year-old
Weight: 11st 1lb
Being campaigned much like Tiger Roll for the same connections. Second in the cross-country at Cheltenham and a winner of a big Leopardstown handicap in December where he sprang a 66-1 shock. Stamina is in no doubt; the only worry is whether age is catching up with him plus others could be better handicapped but certainly not written off given his connections and recent form.
15. Three Card Brag ⭐⭐
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Jordan Gainford
Age: 9-year-old
Weight: 11st
Well fancied for last year’s renewal (went off a 16-1 chance) he was far too enthusiastic (close up second for much of the way) before fading to finish 11th. Looks to have improved this season though winning a good Cheltenham staying chase off a stiff mark that effort coming in the middle of taking the runner-up slot in two top-class staying handicaps. Finished well beaten in the Bobbyjo off a break (needed race) and looks to have been aimed at this race again although his mark, 10lb higher than last year makes his task far from an easy one.
16. Oscars Brother ⭐⭐⭐
Trainer: Connor King
Jockey: Daniel King
Age: 8-year-old
Weight: 10st 13lb
Part of a very strong hand that owner JP McManus will hold in this year’s National this progressive novice has proved to be a revelation since being sent over fences only finishing out of the first two when set his stiffest task last time at Cheltenham in the Grade 1 Brown Advisory. Finishing a creditable 4th there doing all his best work in the closing stages in the manner of one who will relish a real staying test. Unexposed and progressive but fighting against a stark historical trend of being a novice and the last of those to win was Rule The World in 2016 (the first since 1958), softer ground would also suit but very hard to rule out of the equation.
17. Mr Vango ⭐
Trainer: Sara Bradstock
Jockey: Jack Tudor
Age: 10-year-old
Weight: 10st 12lb
Far better last season where he rattled off a hat-trick of staying chase victories all from the front culminating in taking the Midland National (4m2f) off a mark of 143. Beaten only a nose in the Becher Chase on his seasonal return showing that he handles these unique fences well. Well below-par on his latest two starts, pulled up on both occasions he needs a renaissance and some soft ground at least to have a chance and while he won’t fail through a lack of stamina he does have a lot of question marks against his chance.
18. High Class Hero ⭐⭐
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: James Bowen
Age: 9-year-old
Weight: 10st 11lb
An early-career winning machine over hurdles, a forte that remains his best he has been harder to predict more recently over fences, pulling up on his last two starts under big weights in two top-class staying handicaps. A creditable third off 5lb lower in the bet365 Gold Cup last April showed what he could be capable of over fences but his recent form has to leave plenty of doubts in the minds of his backers.
19. Stellar Story ⭐⭐
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Robbie Dunne
Age: 9-year-old
Weight: 10st 11lb
The Albert Bartlett winner in 2024 when he touched off King George hero The Jukebox Man, however despite some smart placed form since then he has only managed to win once over fences, a three-runner affair on chasing debut. He does come into this though on the back of a good third to Grangeclare West in the Bobbyjo Chase where he was conceding 8lb to all bar one of his rivals. The fact that he finds plenty for pressure is an asset and whilst he should stay this trip softer ground would be preferable.
20. Beauport ⭐⭐
Trainer: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Age: 10-year-old
Weight: 10st 11lb
A dour stayer who can already count two Nationals on his CV, having won the Midlands and Berkshire version and it should be remembered that he finished 12th in this last year shaping better than the bare result. Lightly raced since then he returned from wind surgery to finish 4th over hurdles last time forcing the pace. His chance would increase exponentially with some rain but it’s not impossible to see him at least completing the course once more being a strong stayer.
21. Captain Cody ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Jonathan Burke
Age: 8-year-old
Weight: 10st 10lb
Impressive winner of the four-mile Scottish National last year off a mark of 140 that proved he had the stamina for a test such as this. Returned from his summer break to finish third (of six) in a very competitive Grade 1 Drinmore Chase (finished with running left), form since not of that level but his 5th last time out in the Bobbyjo Chase certainly looked promising with regard to this event and back on a sound surface he’s certainly amongst the leading hopes.
22. Jagwar ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
Jockey: Mark Walsh
Age: 7-year-old
Weight: 10st 10lb
One of the market leaders and could even start favourite having yet to finish out of the first three over fences (11311322) in eight outings, showing himself to be a very smart chaser. A strong traveller he has been prone to mistakes in this sphere, a facet of his “game” that cost him victory at Cheltenham last time in the Ultima when second to one in the same ownership who takes him on again here in Johnnywho. Well in at the weights, he’ll be dangerous if he gets into a rhythm as he has the ability to win this on a going day.
23. Perceval Legallois ⭐⭐
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
Jockey: Harry Cobden
Age: 9-year-old
Weight: 10st 9lb
Only run twice since falling at Valentine’s on the first circuit last year when a well fancied 10-1 chance for the race having won his previous two races. Not seen since New Year’s Day when beaten 31L at Tramore by Heart Wood although he was given an easy time in that and has clearly been waiting for this. Has had his jumping issues though and that would be a worry for anyone supporting him here.
24. Gorgeous Tom ⭐⭐⭐
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Jockey: Sean Flanagan
Age: 8-year-old
Weight: 10st 9lb
Fourth in the Coral Gold Cup, a race whose finishers have a habit of going on to land the National he’s only been seen once since then when finishing 5th at Leopardstown in a Listed handicap chase having jumped well up with the pace until the lack of a recent outing told. All of his best form is on a sound surface and if the ground stays good that will enhance his chance further, certainly one to include in the lively outsider category.
25. The Real Whacker ⭐
Trainer: Patrick Neville
Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
Age: 10-year-old
Weight: 10st 9lb
Never quite gone on from his win in the 2023 Brown Advisory where he defeated Gerri Colombe with just a solitary win to his name since then albeit in the 2024 Grade 2 Charlie Hall. Has plied his trade in top class company for the most part of late but his recent form does leave something to be desired and he was well beaten over hurdles last time and whilst he may complete the course he’s likely to have plenty to do in front of him.
26. Quai de Bourbon ⭐⭐⭐
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Donagh Meyler
Age: 7-year-old
Weight: 10st 9lb
Pulled up in handicaps this season, though carrying big weights every time. Beaten only narrowly when conceding lumps in a recent listed race and was third in the 2025 Irish Grand National. Has possibilities, though jumping at a strong tempo would be a concern, one of a nine strong Willie Mullins team he would be a surprise winner although finishing in the top ten can’t be ruled out.
27. Answer To Kayf ⭐
Trainer: Terence O’Brien
Jockey: John Shinnick
Age: 10-year-old
Weight: 10st 8lb
Revels in the mud and unlikely to get those conditions here as he did when landing the Troytown in November at Navan rallying well over 3m to land the spoils and proving himself in big field handicaps. Two sound efforts since then in the Thyestes and then up in grade in the Bobbyjo last time (took a strong hold and his jumping lacked fluency), never run over a marathon trip before and the surface if it stays good will hold him back.
28. Jordans ⭐
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
Jockey: Ben Jones
Age: 7-year-old
Weight: 10st 8lb
Showed some fair form last season culminating in a good second to Caldwell Potter in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase but has really failed to fire this season his best run coming over hurdles off an appreciably lower handicap mark. Would need to improve to even hit the frame here and there are others of his ilk that are preferred.
29. Final Orders ⭐⭐
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
Jockey: Connor Stone-Walsh
Age: 10-year-old
Weight: 10st 5lb
Appears to have been rejuvenated by running in Cross Country and banks events and that would give him a very similar profile to the 2007 winner Silver Birch. Made all to win the Cross Country at the Cheltenham Festival last time , jumping well and travelling with enthusiasm and returns here to a more conventional test, although jumping should prove no problem and neither should stamina. Enjoys decent ground and would not want any rain but has to be considered to have a live each-way chance.
30. Marble Sands ⭐
Trainer: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson
Jockey: Kielan Woods
Age: 10-year-old
Weight: 10st 5lb
Has lines of form behind some smart Grade One performers and won over 3m 3f at Cheltenham in November. Stamina is less of a worry than for many. Was 12th in last year’s Topham, where he didn’t appear to relish the Canal Turn but it would be debatable if he was quick enough for that relatively sharp test. Been kept fresh for this but has to be considered to be a longshot for a race such as this.
31. Panic Attack ⭐⭐⭐
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton
Age: 10-year-old
Weight: 10st 5lb
No mare has won this since 1951 although not that many have tried and she comes into this with some very strong handicap form to her name this season having won the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November and was even more impressive when landing the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. That form gives her a major shout. Third in the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham ending her winning spree but that trip was on the short side and although there is a slight question mark over her stamina she could well make her presence felt.
32. Top Of The Bill ⭐
Trainer: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Toby McCain-Mitchell
Age: 10-year-old
Weight: 10st 5lb
Smart enough handicap chaser on his day although he can have his “dark days” on occasions but to his credit two of his three runs this season (all at Haydock) have shown him in a good light. His second last time out in the Grand National Trial to Grand Geste was a sound effort and he won’t be found lacking in stamina but he doesn’t really have the class for this and beware of him if he’s got out of the stable bed on the wrong side.
33. Johnnywho ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trainer: AJ & Jonjo O’Neill
Jockey: Richie McLernon
Age: 9-year-old
Weight: 10st 4lb
Has built up a fine CV in big staying handicap and on the back of wind surgery and wearing first-time cheekpieces he finally landed first prize in one when winning the Ultima (beat Jagwar) at the Cheltenham Festival. Jumped and travelled well in that race and responded well under a fine ride from Richie McLernon who will be doing the steering again here. Just the sort to run well here and is well in at the weights with the trip no problem and gives owner JP McManus another strong string to his bow.
34. Twig ⭐
Trainer: Ben Pauling
Jockey: Beau Morgan
Age: 11-year-old
Weight: 10st 4lb
One of the few runners who flew the flag for the GB runners last year when despite finishing 10th he was in fact the second British runner home. He further showed his liking and aptitude for these fences when beating Mr Vango in the Becher Chase in December over 3m2f. Raced just once since over hurdles it’s hard to see him winning this but he could repeat last year’s placing and would be one to look at to complete the course.
RESERVES
There are six reserves in case there are any non-runners prior to the 1pm Friday deadline and they will be used in this order.
Pied Piper
Imperial Saint
Amirite
Ain’t That a Shame
Deep Cave
Buddy One
VERDICT
There are chances that two of the protagonists in this, one a trainer, Willie Mullins and one an owner, JP McManus could have a 1-2-3 such is the strength of their hands in the race with Mullins saddling nine runners as he bids for an Aintree hat-trick. McManus also holds a strong hand with seven potential runners in the “Green & Gold” colours with the pair teaming up specifically with 2024 winner I Am Maximus who despite topweight once again has a fine chance of at least hitting the frame.
Apart from the two Scottish successes in the race via the Lucinda Russell yard via One For Arthur and Corach Rambler, the last English trained winner of the race came back in 2015 with Many Clouds trained by the now retired Oliver Sherwood. Despite the Irish battalions dominating numerically this time around there are four English trained runners who are towards the head of the betting with Jagwar, Johnnywho, Panic Attack, and Iroko forming a strong challenge.
Three of that quartet though are owned by JP McManus to further illustrate his strong hand in the race with all his three hopes having run in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival last time, a race that saw Johnnywho beat Jagwar, with Iroko disappointing back in 10th. However, it’s Iroko who has the Grand National pedigree having run a fine race last year to finish 4th coming from well off the pace and it’s not hard to see him bouncing back this time around if he’s given a more positive ride. The key to the “well in” Johnnywho who has built a sound curriculum vitae in these staying events could well be the wind op he was given prior to winning the Ultima a race that has in the past proved to be a good pointer to the National and he looks to have a fine chance of landing another National for JP. Jagwar, gives JP another leading chance and is with the joint trainers Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero also having Iroko in the race they also have a strong hand. In this race in the past you would have been wary of the chance of Jagwar as his jumping can be a little less than fluent at times and he is prone to the odd mistake but with these fences much easier these days his chance is enhanced. His consistent record over fences is hard to knock although there have been questions when his finishing effort could be questioned and this long run-in could prove a challenge.
Turning our attentions to Willie Mullins, he has an obvious chance with I Am Maximus with his Aintree record standing up to close scrutiny and it’s interesting to see him equipped with cheekpieces having worn them only once before, when beaten in a beginners’ chase four years ago. He looks sure to be competitive once more along with stablemate Grangeclare West a strong traveller who would surely have gone even closer than he did last year when he clouted the last and faded to finish 3rd. Respect has to be given to those two Mullins runners but it’s Captain Cody who could be the pick of the Closutton team this time around having won the Scottish version of this event last season. His form since an encouraging reappearance hasn’t quite lived up to his reputation but it’s seen him feature here off a what appears to be a nice mark of 152 and he looks sure to run a big race with this time of the year usually seeing him blossom.
For those looking for a runner at a bigger price then another Mullins runner Champ Kiely looks overpriced on some of his form and whilst his stamina isn’t guaranteed he did win well over 3m1f at Punchestown last April on good ground and if the rain stays away he could run into a place. Another one who will appreciate the ground if the rain stays away and appeals as a live outsider is Gorgeous Tom who has a light campaign that looks geared to this race his 4th in the Coral Gold Cup reading well as does his Leopardstown 5th in a Listed Chase last time when he raced up with the pace having looked to need the race off a break. A sound jumper it’s not hard to see him running into a place here at a decent price.
Here are my preferred horses, in order – good luck!
Johnnywho
Captain Cody
Jagwar
Grangeclare West
Champ Kiely
Gorgeous Tom
ANDY RICHMOND
STAR PROMOTIONS
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