Willie Mullins' Assistant Reveals His Top Pick for the 2026 Grand National
David Casey, the right-hand man to champion trainer Willie Mullins, has disclosed the horse he would choose to ride in the upcoming Randox Grand National. Casey, who has served as Mullins' assistant since retiring from a successful jockey career, provided an in-depth assessment of the stable's nine runners for the prestigious £1 million race.
Casey's Preferred Choice: I Am Maximus
In an interview with BetSelect, Casey singled out I Am Maximus as his top selection. He emphasised that the horse has undergone a more robust preparation this year compared to last season. "If I had to pick one I'd go with I Am Maximus," Casey stated. "He's had a bit of a stronger preparation this year than he did last time. He missed the Bobbyjo this year, but that was planned, whereas last year we hadn't intended for him to miss it but he missed a couple of days of work. This year he goes in with a much better prep."
Casey highlighted I Am Maximus's proven track record at Aintree, having won the Grand National in 2024 and finished second in 2025. "There's no doubting that he loves the place and I'd side with him," he added, noting that weight concerns are less significant now, with class being the primary factor.
Analysis of Other Mullins Runners
Casey provided detailed insights into the other horses in the Mullins team:
- Nick Rockett: Last year's winner, but Casey expressed scepticism due to a less-than-ideal preparation this season, including missed runs and a qualification race at Down Royal.
- Grangeclare West: Finished third last year and has been running well, with a strong win in the Bobbyjo. Casey noted he was unlucky in the previous Grand National and remains a contender.
- Captain Cody, High Class Hero, and Lecky Watson: These horses are expected to benefit from better ground conditions, which have been poor in Ireland during the winter. Captain Cody, last year's Scottish National winner, is particularly suited to nicer ground.
- Champ Kiely: A Grade 1 winner with excellent jumping skills, though there are questions about his stamina and preference for softer ground.
- Spanish Harlem: Described as inconsistent but capable, with a Kerry National win and a near-victory in the Thyestes before an unseating incident.
- Quai De Bourbon: Showed significant improvement in his last run at Leopardstown and enters the race with a lighter campaign, making him a potential dark horse.
Mullins' Historic Bid for a Hat-Trick
Willie Mullins is aiming for a hat-trick of Grand National victories, following wins with Nick Rockett in 2025 and I Am Maximus in 2024. A third triumph would place him alongside legendary trainers Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell as the most successful in the race's history. Mullins previously won with Hedgehunter in 2005, adding to his illustrious career.
Casey concluded by affirming the strength of the Mullins team, stating, "You can make a case for all of our nine runners this year," underscoring the depth and quality of the stable's entries for the 2026 Grand National.
