Grand National 2026: The Ultimate Pinstickers' Guide to All 34 Runners
The Grand National, one of the world's most thrilling and famous horse races, is set to captivate an estimated global audience of 600 million viewers this Saturday, April 11, at Aintree Racecourse. With 34 runners poised to tackle the gruelling four-and-a-half-mile course and 30 formidable fences, the stakes are incredibly high, featuring a total prize pot of £1 million, including £500,000 for the winner. Following Nick Rockett's surprise victory as a 33-1 shot in 2025, this year's race promises unpredictability and excitement, making thorough research essential for any betting enthusiast.
Comprehensive Ratings and Analysis of All 34 Runners
Here is a detailed breakdown of each horse in the 2026 Grand National field, providing insights into their form, chances, and potential to succeed Nick Rockett as champion.
- I AM MAXIMUS (Willie Mullins) 8 – A previous winner two years ago and runner-up last year, he aims to emulate Red Rum by securing a second National victory after an interim loss.
- NICK ROCKETT (Willie Mullins) 7 – The 2025 champion faces a race against time due to an autumn setback, but his stable's reputation means he cannot be ruled out.
- BANBRIDGE (Joseph O’Brien) 5 – A classy winner of the 2024 King George, though stamina over this extreme distance remains a significant question mark.
- GRANGECLARE WEST (Willie Mullins) 8 – Finished third last year and would have challenged for victory without a mistake at the final fence; his campaign has been tailored for this race.
- GERRI COLOMBE (Gordon Elliott) 7 – Once a top-class performer, he returned from a hiatus with a win last time, but his best days may be behind him.
- HAITI COULEURS (Rebecca Curtis) 9 – Already a winner of the Irish and Welsh Nationals, he excels in marathon tests, though his Gold Cup run could impact his chances.
- SPILLANE’S TOWER (Jimmy Mangan) 8 – A class act with potential, trained for the Gold Cup but rerouted here; at only eight years old, he is relatively unexposed.
- FIREFOX (Gordon Elliott) 6 – Best performances have been over shorter distances, and this trip may prove beyond his capabilities.
- MONTY’S STAR (Henry de Bromhead) 6 – Has not fully lived up to early expectations but has been running consistently well, with this race likely his target.
- SPANISH HARLEM (Willie Mullins) 7 – Overlooked due to stable strength, he nearly won the Thyestes Chase but needs to bounce back from a poor last run.
- LECKY WATSON (Willie Mullins) 5 – A Cheltenham Festival winner last year, he has struggled this season and requires a revival in handicap company.
- CHAMP KIELY (Willie Mullins) 4 – Beat Ballyburn at Punchestown but has declined since, with stamina concerns adding to the negatives.
- IROKO (Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero) 8 – Finished fourth last year as a seven-year-old and looked better this season before a setback at Cheltenham.
- FAVORI DE CHAMPDOU (Gordon Elliott) 6 – Found new life over cross country fences, similar to Tiger Roll, but at 11 years old, he appears handicapped to the hilt.
- THREE CARD BRAG (Gordon Elliott) 5 – In great form early in the season but was beaten a long way in the Bobbyjo after a break, making him hard to fancy.
- OSCARS BROTHER (Connor King) 10 – Showed versatility by winning on heavy ground and handling quicker surfaces at Cheltenham; stays all day and is well-handicapped.
- MR VANGO (Sara Bradstock) 4 – Would have been a contender last year but has struggled in recent runs, needing very soft ground to be competitive.
- HIGH CLASS HERO (Willie Mullins) 4 – Form has declined sharply after being a beaten favourite last season, posing a challenge even for his top trainer.
- STELLAR STORY (Gordon Elliott) 8 – Has competed with the best for years and now looks well-handicapped, with favourable comparisons to rivals.
- BEAUPORT (Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies) 6 – Faded after a fast start last year; due to be ridden more conservatively this time around.
- CAPTAIN CODY (Willie Mullins) 7 – Last year's Scottish National winner, trained specifically for this race, with drying ground in his favour.
- JAGWAR (Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero) 7 – Seen as an ideal type for the race but has a habit of finding ways to lose; could struggle if behind early.
- PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS (Gavin Cromwell) 6 – Won big handicaps last season but fell early in this race last year; little to recommend based on current form.
- GORGEOUS TOM (Henry de Bromhead) 6 – A promising novice chaser last season, with this race likely the plan after a good run in the Coral Gold Cup.
- THE REAL WHACKER (Paddy Neville) 5 – A Grade One winner as a novice but has generally struggled since; a front-running type who could outrun his odds.
- QUAI DE BOURBON (Willie Mullins) 8 – Under the radar compared to stablemates, he was third in the Irish National last year and returned to form recently.
- ANSWER TO KAYF (Terence O’Brien) 5 – A great horse for connections, winning the Troytown, but faces a stiff task after a weight rise.
- JORDANS (Joseph O’Brien) 4 – Looked a prospect last season but has struggled this year, with significant stamina doubts.
- FINAL ORDERS (Gavin Cromwell) 7 – Transformed into a dour stayer, winning the Cross Country at Cheltenham; has class and could emulate Tiger Roll's double.
- MARBLE SANDS (David Killahena and Graeme McPherson) 4 – Completed the Topham fences last year but has been in good form this season, though appears up against it here.
- PANIC ATTACK (Dan Skelton) 7 – A revelation this season, pulling off the Paddy Power/Coral Gold Cup double; a big player if she stays the trip.
- TOP OF THE BILL (Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies) 4 – Has found a niche in staying handicaps but faces a much tougher challenge in this race.
- JOHNNYWHO (Jonjo and A J O’Neill) 8 – Looked unlucky last season and made amends with a win at Cheltenham last month; 6lb well-in and a strong contender.
- TWIG (Ben Pauling) 5 – Ran better than his position suggested last year and won the Becher this season, but still appears up against it.
Reserve Runners and Additional Contenders
Five reserve horses are on standby, including PIED PIPER (Gordon Elliott) 4, who has had two falls recently, and IMPERIAL SAINT (Philip Hobbs and Johnson White) 6, a course specialist on the Mildmay track. Others like AMIRITE (Henry de Bromhead) 3, AIN’T THAT A SHAME (Tom Ellis) 2, YEAH MAN (Gavin Cromwell) 3, and SOUL ICON (Keiran Burke) 3 face various challenges, from poor form to stamina doubts, making them unlikely to feature prominently if they run.
Top 4 Prediction and Final Verdict
With the Grand National's shape evolving annually, novices like OSCARS BROTHER are increasingly targeting the race before the handicapper can fully assess them. Oscar's Brother has shown versatility by winning on deep winter ground and handling quicker surfaces at Cheltenham, making him the top pick. Haiti Couleurs would have been a strong fancy had he not run at Cheltenham, but his ability to bounce back, as seen in the Welsh National, keeps him in contention. Stellar Story and Quai De Bourbon round out the predicted frame, both appearing well-handicapped and in good form.
Predicted 1-2-3-4: 1. OSCARS BROTHER, 2. Haiti Couleurs, 3. Stellar Story, 4. Quai De Bourbon.
As the excitement builds for Saturday's race at Aintree, this guide provides all the essential information to help viewers and bettors navigate the unpredictable world of the Grand National, where anything can happen over those iconic fences.
