Runners, riders, trainers, and form—here’s everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s Grand National at Aintree.
BBC Radio 5 Live’s John Hunt and Gina Bryce break down the 34 horses set to line up for the 2026 edition of the world’s most famous steeplechase. Note: Odds are approximate and subject to change, with the field finalizing at 13:00 BST on April 10.
Form key: F – Fell, P – Pulled up, U – Unseated rider, S – Slipped up.
Expert Predictions
John Hunt’s top four:
- Panic Attack
- Grangeclare West
- Jagwar
- Jordans
Best outsider: Quai de Bourbon
Gina Bryce’s top four:
- Grangeclare West
- Monty’s Star
- Panic Attack
- I Am Maximus
Best outsider: Spanish Harlem
Key Contenders
I Am Maximus Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE) | Jockey: Paul Townend Form: 82-925 | Age: 10 | Weight: 11-12
Gina Bryce: “The 2024 winner followed up with a strong second last year on quicker ground. As an Aintree specialist trained by Willie Mullins, he’s a serious contender off just a 1lb higher mark.”
Rating: 8/10 | Odds: 7-1
Banbridge Trainer: Joseph O’Brien (IRE) | Jockey: JJ Slevin Form: 7-4423 | Age: 10 | Weight: 11-11
Gina Bryce: “After winning the 2024 King George, he nearly repeated the feat this season at Kempton. While he prefers faster ground, questions linger about his stamina over this grueling distance, given past struggles in testing conditions.”
Rating: 5/10 | Odds: 50-1
Grangeclare West Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE) | Jockey: Patrick Mullins Form: 5-8481 | Age: 10 | Weight: 11-10
John Hunt: “He finished a close third last year, just three lengths back, despite being hampered at Valentine’s Brook and making an error at the final fence. After hitting the front at the second-last, more patient tactics could see him improve further.”
Rating: 7/10 | Odds: 9-1
Gerri Colombe Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE) | Jockey: Jack Kennedy Form: 3-P321 | Age: 10 | Weight: 11-10
Gina Bryce: “He’s progressed steadily since returning from a layoff, most notably with a fine second to Grangeclare West in Ireland’s Bobbyjo Chase. A former Betfred Bowl winner, this 10-year-old deserves his shot at the National.”
Rating: 6/10 | Odds: 25-1
Haiti Couleurs Trainer: Rebecca Curtis | Jockey: Sean Bowen Form: 1P11P | Age: 9 | Weight: 11-10
John Hunt: “A standout this season with wins in the Welsh Grand National, Denman Chase, and Irish Grand National. His rapid rise saw him start as a 6-1 shot in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, though drying ground didn’t suit him there.”
With the stage set for another thrilling contest, these insights offer a glimpse into the form, potential, and challenges facing the top contenders at Aintree.