Who Could Challenge I Am Maximus at the 2027 Grand National?

I Am Maximus will be aiming to join Red Rum as a three-time Grand National winner in 2027, but several leading contenders could prevent the Willie Mullins-trained star from making history at Aintree.

The JP McManus-owned chaser has established an outstanding record in the world’s most famous steeplechase, winning in 2024 and 2026 alongside a second-place finish in 2025. Another victory on Saturday 10th April 2027 would see him become only the second horse to win the Grand National three times.

However, with the likes of Iroko, Jordans and former winner Nick Rockett potentially returning, alongside several emerging staying chasers, the defending champion faces another competitive field.

With the 2026/27 National Hunt season underway, we take a look at six horses who could challenge I Am Maximus for the 2027 Grand National.

Iroko

One of the strongest challengers to I Am Maximus could be Iroko, who has finished in the top four in each of his previous two Grand National appearances.

Trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, the nine-year-old finished fourth in 2025 before improving to second behind I Am Maximus in April 2026, demonstrating his ability to handle the demanding Aintree course.

His connections are understandably keen to return, with Guerriero recently discussing the possibility of another Grand National challenge.

Speaking in November, the trainer acknowledged that Iroko deserves to win the race, although he also suggested that the horse could be tested in higher-level contests during the season.

Having already demonstrated his stamina and jumping ability over the Grand National fences, Iroko could be one of the leading contenders should he return in April.

Soldier In Milan

While several leading contenders have previous experience at Aintree, Soldier In Milan could provide a significant challenge on his Grand National debut.

Trained by Emmet Mullins, the Irish chaser attracted considerable attention after winning the 2026 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse by an impressive 16 lengths.

Ridden by Donagh Meyler, Soldier In Milan produced an excellent jumping performance before pulling clear of his rivals over the extended three-and-a-half-mile distance.

The eight-year-old will be looking to follow in the footsteps of several Irish-trained Grand National winners, including Noble Yeats, who won the Aintree showpiece for Emmet Mullins in 2022.

Although Soldier In Milan has yet to tackle Aintree’s famous fences, his performance at Fairyhouse suggests he possesses the stamina required to challenge over the longer distance.

Jordans

Joseph O’Brien’s Jordans is another horse who could return to Aintree with a realistic chance of challenging for victory.

The Irish-trained chaser finished third in the 2026 Grand National, having looked a potential winner during the closing stages of the race.

Ridden by Ben Jones, Jordans was prominent approaching the final fence before I Am Maximus produced a strong finish to secure victory. The presence of a loose horse also complicated matters during the run-in.

Despite eventually finishing third, Jordans demonstrated his ability to compete against some of the leading staying chasers in Britain and Ireland.

At eight years old in 2027, he could still have further improvement to come, although his previous performance may result in a more demanding handicap weight.

If O’Brien targets the Grand National again, Jordans will be a horse worth following throughout the remainder of the National Hunt season.

Nick Rockett

Another familiar name who could challenge I Am Maximus is Nick Rockett, the winner of the 2025 Grand National.

The Willie Mullins-trained chaser denied his stablemate a second consecutive victory in 2025, with Patrick Mullins guiding Nick Rockett to success ahead of I Am Maximus.

However, his planned title defence in April 2026 was abandoned after the horse developed a cough shortly before the race, leaving him unable to compete.

That withdrawal allowed I Am Maximus to reclaim the Grand National crown, but a return for Nick Rockett in 2027 could provide an intriguing contest between the two former winners.

Having already won the race, Nick Rockett has proven that he possesses the stamina and jumping ability required to succeed at Aintree.

Much will depend on his fitness and performances during the current season, but he remains a potential challenger if connections decide to target another Grand National.

Johnnywho

Johnnywho could also return to Aintree following an impressive conclusion to his 2025/26 National Hunt campaign.

Trained by Jonjo and A J O’Neill, Johnnywho won the Ultima Handicap Chase at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival before finishing fourth in the Grand National the following month.

His performance at Aintree was particularly encouraging given the demanding nature of the race and the relatively short turnaround following his Cheltenham victory.

The JP McManus-owned chaser demonstrated his stamina across both contests, suggesting that another appearance in the Grand National could be a possibility.

Although Johnnywho finished behind I Am Maximus, Iroko and Jordans in 2026, his previous experience could prove valuable should he return for another attempt.

Jagwar

Another potential challenger from the Greenall and Guerriero stable is Jagwar, who could make a second Grand National appearance in 2027.

The Cheltenham Festival-winning chaser was among the runners in the 2026 Grand National but failed to finish after unseating jockey Mark Walsh.

Despite that disappointment, his connections remain interested in returning to Aintree.

In a recent interview, Guerriero suggested that Jagwar would most likely be aimed at another Grand National, although potential appearances in the Betfair Chase and Coral Gold Cup could influence his campaign.

Jagwar has already demonstrated considerable ability over fences, but he will need to improve his jumping consistency to challenge in a race as demanding as the Grand National.

With another season of experience behind him, he could prove an interesting contender if his connections confirm Aintree as his main spring target.

Can Anyone Stop I Am Maximus from Winning a Third Grand National?

Despite the strength of the potential opposition, I Am Maximus remains one of the leading contenders for the 2027 Grand National.

His performances at Aintree have been remarkably consistent, with two victories and a second-place finish from three appearances. His 2026 success was particularly impressive, having carried top weight of 11st 12lb to victory.

However, at 11 years old in 2027, he will face younger challengers who could still be improving, while the weight he is allocated will also be an important factor.

Iroko and Jordans have already demonstrated that they can compete against the defending champion at Aintree, while Soldier In Milan represents an interesting newcomer following his Irish Grand National success.

Nick Rockett’s potential return would add another former winner to the field, with Johnnywho and Jagwar also among those hoping to challenge.

The final line-up will not be confirmed until closer to the race, but the 2027 Grand National is already shaping up to be a competitive renewal.

The 2027 Randox Grand National Festival takes place at Aintree Racecourse from Thursday 8th to Saturday 10th April, with the Grand National itself scheduled for 4pm on the Saturday.

Eventmasters offers official Grand National hospitality packages for 2027, including the Silks Restaurant, Papillon Restaurant and Princess Royal Restaurant, providing premium dining and hospitality experiences throughout the three-day Festival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the main challengers to I Am Maximus in the 2027 Grand National?

Iroko, Soldier In Milan, Jordans, Nick Rockett, Johnnywho and Jagwar are among the potential challengers. However, the official runners will not be confirmed until closer to the race in April 2027.

Has I Am Maximus won the Grand National three times?

No. I Am Maximus has won the Grand National twice, in 2024 and 2026, and finished second in 2025. He will attempt to equal Red Rum’s record of three victories in 2027.

Who won the 2026 Grand National?

I Am Maximus won the 2026 Randox Grand National under Paul Townend for trainer Willie Mullins. Iroko finished second, with Jordans third and Johnnywho fourth.

When is the 2027 Grand National?

The 2027 Randox Grand National takes place on Saturday 10th April at Aintree Racecourse, with the race scheduled to begin at 4pm. The Festival runs from Thursday 8th to Saturday 10th April.

Who won the 2025 Grand National?

Nick Rockett won the 2025 Grand National for Willie Mullins, ridden by Patrick Mullins. He finished ahead of stablemate I Am Maximus, who subsequently regained the title in 2026.