Willie Mullins Targets Historic Third Straight Grand National Win
The Grand National Festival, the pinnacle of the horse racing calendar, returns to Aintree next week with immense anticipation building. Trainer Willie Mullins, who achieved a remarkable 1-2-3 finish in the 2025 renewal, once again holds a commanding position with a strong team of entries as he aims for a historic third consecutive victory.
Mullins' Top Contenders for Aintree Glory
The Grand National runs from April 9 to 11, with the main event scheduled for Saturday at 4pm. The final field of 34 runners will be confirmed on Wednesday, April 8, focusing attention on Mullins' stable. Last year, Nick Rockett, ridden by Mullins' son and assistant Patrick, triumphed at odds of 33/1, defeating stablemate and 2024 winner I Am Maximus, with Grangeclare West completing the trainer's trifecta in third place.
Mullins, who secured his third Grand National win last year—two decades after his first success with Hedgehunter—remains optimistic despite I Am Maximus being allotted the top weight of 11st 12lb. The 69-year-old trainer stated in late March, "I Am Maximus will carry top weight and it's tough, but we had an idea that it would be tough. He likes the track. Sometimes when horses go back a second time, they don't like it, but he had a good experience last year and I'm hoping that it won't be a problem."
Grangeclare West, after a powerful third-place finish last year, enhanced his credentials by winning the Bobbyjo Chase in late February, a race Mullins views as the ultimate Aintree trial. Mullins commented, "The profile is right in my book and I don't see why he won't take to the fences, he's got plenty of experience and jumps well. I know he can throw in the odd clanger but sometimes those horses can just have a little bit more respect for a new type of fence."
Regarding defending champion Nick Rockett, Mullins acknowledged the less-than-ideal preparation, saying in March, "We haven't had a clear run with him... he's back riding and we're hoping to get a run into him before Aintree. It’s not an ideal preparation having one run but unfortunately those are the cards that we’ve been dealt. Maybe going there fresh will help him." Patrick Mullins added, "Without a doubt I'd love to ride Nick Rockett again. It's rare that the reality is better than the dream, but that's what it was [last year]."
Confirmed Jockey Bookings for the Aintree Showpiece
As of Saturday, April 4, several key jockey assignments have been officially confirmed for the Grand National. Patrick Mullins is all but certain to ride Nick Rockett again in defense of their title. Stablemate Lecky Watson will be partnered by Sean O’Keeffe, while Jonjo O’Neill Jr. retains the ride on last year’s fourth-place finisher Iroko for owners JP McManus and the Greenall-Guerriero team.
The JP McManus "green and gold" shuffle has seen Mark Walsh select the seven-year-old Jagwar, following their impressive second-place finish in the Ultima at Cheltenham. Meanwhile, the rising star Oscars Brother, trained by Connor King, will be a family affair as Daniel King has been confirmed for the mount. Further down the weights, John Shinnick is set to continue his partnership with the progressive Answer to Kayf after a consistent season together.
In the British camp, champion jockey-elect Sean Bowen is confirmed for the Welsh National hero Haiti Couleurs, a horse he has frequently described as his best chance for a first National victory. Harry Skelton will ride the high-flying mare Panic Attack, who heads to Aintree in peak form after a stellar campaign. However, one notable absence from the confirmed list is Charlie Deutsch; he will no longer partner L’Homme Presse after the horse was officially scratched from the race on April 1 due to a late injury setback.
Current Grand National Odds and Market Insights
The betting market for the Grand National is highly active, with I Am Maximus leading as the favorite at 15/2. Grangeclare West and Jagwar are both priced at 10/1, while Iroko and Haiti Couleurs follow closely at 12/1. Defending champion Nick Rockett is available at 16/1, alongside Johnnywho and Oscars Brother. Panic Attack is listed at 18/1, with Monty’s Star and Gerri Colombe at 20/1.
Other notable contenders include Stellar Story, Captain Cody, Gorgeous Tom, and Final Orders, all at 25/1. Jordans is priced at 28/1, while Spillane’s Tower, Favori De Champdou, Now Is The Hour, and Quai De Bourbon are at 33/1. Perceval Legallois, Three Card Brag, and Lecky Watson are available at 40/1, with Banbridge, Firefox, Spanish Harlem, and Answer To Kayf at 50/1. Longer shots include Twig, Imperial Saint, and High Class Hero at 66/1, Mr Vango and Champ Kiely at 80/1, and French Dynamite, The Real Whacker, and Marble Sands at 100/1.
The Grand National 2026 promises three days of thrilling racing at Aintree from April 9 to 11, with standard and hospitality tickets starting at £33.50 through The Jockey Club, and VIP packages available from £249 via Seat Unique.
