Leading contenders for Grand National

We look at the horses who are seen as the favourites going into the Grand National Steeple Chase at Aintree in 2026.

Anticipation has been growing amongst horse racing across the world, with eyes now set on the 2026 Grand National at Aintree Racecourse. Three days of enthralling action will take place from Thursday, 9th April to Saturday, 11th April 2026.

There are a total of 21 races taking place over the course of this year’s renewal, which includes some fantastic races, from the Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase on the opening day to the Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race, which takes place on the third and final day, better known as ‘Randox Grand National Day’.

Whilst there are a number of eye-catching races to take place at the 2026 Grand National, there is one in particular that stands out amongst the rest. And that is, of course, this year’s edition of the Randox Grand National Steeple Chase that takes place on the final day, on the afternoon of Saturday, 11th April 2026.

The Grand National has a long and illustrious history. The first edition of this famous race took place at Aintree in 1839, and it was Jem Mason, riding Lottery, who won it that year. Lottery’s trainer, George Dockeray, went on to win this race a further two times in 1840 (with Jerry) and 1842 (with Gaylad).

The jockey with the most wins in this race is George Stevens, who won this race 5 times between 1856 and 1870. The horses he rode to victory in these renewals were Freetrader, Emblem, Emblematic and The Colonel.

Red Rum is one of the most famous and iconic horses in the history of the sport of horse racing, and currently holds the record of the most wins of any horse in the entire 185-year history of the Aintree Grand National with 3 wins, which took place in 1973, 1974 and 1977. The jockeys for these wins were Brian Fletcher (1973, 1974) and Tommy Stack (1977).

The most recent winner of the Grand National at Aintree Racecourse was 33/1 Nick Rockett, who was ridden by jockey Patrick Mullins, trained by his father Willie Mullins.

Here we take a look at who are seen as the leading contenders to add their name to what is an illustrious list of winners from over the years.

I Am Maximus (15/2)

I Am Maximus heads into the Grand National as the standout runner, and for good reason. A previous winner at Aintree, he brings invaluable course experience to a race where that often proves decisive. He’s already shown he can handle the fences, the pace, and the stamina test better than most and better than anyone else in his 2024 triumph.

His recent form has been steady rather than spectacular, but that’s typical for National contenders. Everything about his preparation suggests this race has been the long-term target, and he’s likely to arrive primed for a big run.

The main challenge is the weight he’ll carry, which can make a difference over four miles. Still, his proven class and experience at Aintree make him one of the most reliable Grand National favourites in the field.

Grangeclare West (10/1)

Grangeclare West looks like a serious Grand National contender with plenty of upside. Lightly raced compared to some rivals, he has shown strong form in high-quality races and still has clear room for improvement.

His performances this season suggest he’s peaking at the right time. The big question is stamina over the full Grand National trip, but his running style hints that Aintree could suit him well.

Coming from a leading yard, he’ll be well prepared for the challenge. At around 10/1, he sits firmly among the leading Grand National runners and looks capable of making a real impact if he sees out the distance.

Jagwar (12/1)

Jagwar is one of the more interesting Grand National 2026 runners, arriving with less exposure but plenty of potential. His recent form has been encouraging, showing stamina and determination, two key traits for success at Aintree.

He’s still improving, which makes him a dangerous contender in a race that often rewards horses on an upward curve. If he continues that progression, he could outperform more established names.

The unknown is how he’ll handle the Aintree fences on the big stage. If he adapts quickly, his profile suggests he can stay competitive deep into the race and challenge late.

Others expected to be in the mix

Alongside the leading favourites, a strong chasing pack is forming behind them, with several well-fancied runners expected to be there or thereabouts at Aintree.

Haiti Couleurs has built a really solid profile coming into the Grand National 2026. A winner of both the Irish and Welsh Nationals, he’s already proven he has the stamina for these marathon trips. That experience alone makes him a serious contender, and if he handles the Aintree fences, he has the profile of a horse that could stay on strongly when others fade.

Iroko is another who looks primed for a big run. He finished fourth in last year’s National and has been consistently competitive in top company since. With a favourable weight and proven ability over the trip, he ticks plenty of boxes and remains one of the more solid Grand National runners just behind the very top of the market.

Johnnywho brings a slightly different angle, arriving off the back of a big win at the Cheltenham Festival. That kind of recent form is always worth noting, especially in a race that increasingly rewards horses arriving in peak condition. He’s less exposed over extreme distances, but his upward trajectory makes him an interesting contender.

Then there’s Nick Rockett, last year’s winner and impossible to ignore. While he may not be as prominent in the betting this time around, his Aintree success and proven stamina make him dangerous. Horses with previous winning form in the National always command respect, and he has the experience to get involved again if things fall into place.

All four sit just behind the headline names in the betting, but in a race like the Grand National, that can often be the perfect position to strike.

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