Here for some expert commentary on the 2026 Grand National? I can only apologise. Here is the GG Jumps Journal’s guide, perfect for those wishing to close their eyes and hope for the best.
GG Jumps Journal – The Grand National Pinstickers’ Guide 2026
1. I Am Maximus – Willie Mullins/Paul Townend
The undoubted commander of the armies of Closutton, general of their Grand National charge and loyal servant to Willie Mullins. If he was an average jumper, he would have won the last two Nationals on the bridle. He only won one of them, which tells you where his otherwise flawless Aintree profile falls short. Shoddy jumping no longer necessitates a fall in the Grand National, but it can cost crucial ground. Will win if his jumping is 6/10. But it might well not be.
4/5
2. Nick Rockett – NON RUNNER
Might be only the fourth most prominent Closutton runner in this year’s Grand National despite winning it a year ago. Has that ever happened before? Of course not, because Willie Mullins achieves things nobody has in the history of the sport. Consider the cobwebs on the Rockett blown away by a recent run at Down Royal, but only just. Handicapper has only put him up 4lb since last year’s victory, but everything fell into place for him 12 months ago. It is unlikely to again, and Patrick Mullins cruelly deserts him.
3/5
3. Banbridge – Joseph O’Brien/JJ Slevin
Trainer said he’d back him if the Grand National was run over 3m in one of those quotes where you see exactly where a person is coming from and yet are still inclined to ridicule them. Final mile might seem long for this card game critic, whose last eight runs suggest he loves Kempton, but dislikes everywhere else. Wasn’t disgraced in the Ryanair Chase recently though and class is the most important modern factor. Top 10 possible, but a win seems beyond reach.
2/5
4. Grangeclare West – Willie Mullins/Patrick Mullins
Steeped in historic racing Ireland, a join the dots around Grangeclare could include Thurles, Tipperary, Limerick, Roscommon, Navan and Naas. You wouldn’t win the Turner Prize for doing so mind you. The opposite of west is east, and almost exactly due east of Grangeclare is Liverpool. Fortunately, opposites attract, as he was third last year despite a bucking bronco act at the last. Has since won the Bobbyjo Chase, which has been the Grand National’s white smoke in recent years and Paul Townend flirted with deserting I Am Maximus for him.
5/5
5. Gerri Colombe – Gordon Elliott/Jack Kennedy
Former Gold Cup runner-up and Aintree Bowl winner in days of yore. Racing moves quickly enough that “yore” is actually only two years ago, but it probably feels like longer to Gerri. Missed almost the entirety of last season and has not been as good this term. Was better when second to Grangeclare West in the Bobbyjo Chase and safely held Nick Rockett last time, but age and handicap mark would suggest he is not about to put in an all-timer performance here.
2/5
6. Haiti Couleurs – Rebecca Curtis/Sean Bowen
Haiti are very much the underdogs at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Haiti Couleurs is punching upwards too, being trained in Britain and reminiscent of an old-fashioned chaser. Boasts handicap chase form figures of 11111 so well-treated was he to start with. They include the Irish and Welsh Grand Nationals. 12lb higher than for the most recent of those though and has struggled in races in which class has come to the fore. Will do better than his nation at the World Cup, but won’t win.
3/5
7. Spillane’s Tower – NON RUNNER
A surprise declaration that forced me to add one to each of the participants below him. As a result, I will be rating him 1/5 regardless of his merits. Declared for the Grade 1 Bowl on Thursday and participation in either race is ground dependent. Does actually possess some merit in fairness, cosily winning the Cotswold Chase in January and is a genuine top level horse at his best. Trainer won this in 2003, but still 1 out of 5.
1/5
8. Firefox – Gordon Elliott/Keith Donoghue
Starkly similar to the search engine as being below the best of them while proving reliable enough when called upon. Even a name change to Internet Explorer or Safari is unlikely to transform his likely Aintree fortunes. Stays well enough at 3m and jumping is no barrier. Sixth in the Gold Cup last month is his level though. A repeat finish would be an achievement off this mark.
2/5
9. Monty’s Star – Henry De Bromhead/Darragh O’Keeffe
Would be only the second equine Monty to win the National after Monty’s Pass in 2003. Perhaps one Monty is enough for Aintree as Henry De Bromhead’s charge is solid but probably too unspectacular. He jumps, gallops and stays and was fourth in the 2025 Gold Cup. Even that level of career best needs bettering here off a rating of 159, off which he was 14th in the Coral Gold Cup. Might have been Rachael Blackmore’s mount if you think her sheer will would be enough to guide him home. It won’t be.
2/5
10. Spanish Harlem – Willie Mullins/Brian Hayes
Probably named after a Ben E King record of 1960, the year of the first televised Grand National. Is that a sign, I hear you ask? Recent form figures of PUP suggest greyhound racing would be more his thing currently. Then again, would likely have won the middle of those had he not unseated his 7lb claimer at the last in the Thyestes Chase. Getting better, but has never suggested he is Gold Cup class, which he would have to be based on his rating here.
2/5
11. Lecky Watson – Willie Mullins/Sean O’Keeffe
Racing has not been elementary for dear Lecky Watson of late. Since causing an upset in the 2025 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, he has failed to complete twice and been beaten a combined 143 lengths in the three times he has even finished. Willie Mullins nominated this for him a while ago, and whatever remains of his form, however improbable, must be the truth. But then Sherlock Holmes was a fictional character. And talked a load of bollocks.
2/5
12. Champ Kiely – Willie Mullins/Danny Mullins
The sixth Mullins-trained runner in the top 12 of the handicap. Like Lecky Watson, won a Grade 1 novice chase last season against the odds. Unfortunately, he is also like Lecky Watson in having gradually gotten worse since. Best effort this season was over 2m despite winning his top level race over 3m1f and that is just one of many mixed signals his profile gives off. Quite an eyecatching jockey booking though.
2/5
13. Iroko – Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero/Jonjo O’Neill Jr
Fourth in this last year when the only British-trained runner in the top nine. Went off favourite that day and JP McManus has suggested he is a Grand National horse for nearly two years. Was more I-loco than Iroko at Cheltenham last time out, ensuring he is officially 1lb wrong at the weights here, but is only 5lb higher than when fiercely competitive 12 months ago. Will much prefer this test, but he is the most harshly treated among last year’s top four this season.
3/5
14. Favori De Champdou – Gordon Elliott/Danny Gilligan
Slightly unlucky to have missed the cross country craze which dominated this race until 2024. The latest banks machine has revelled in a new lease of life since December, winning a valuable Leopardstown handicap, then scoring over Cheltenham’s cross country track. Was second there at the Festival last month off this mark, but now faces classier horses. Is likely to enjoy this test in his current mood though and might be overpriced.
3/5
15. Three Card Brag – Gordon Elliott/Jordan Gainford
You probably won’t be bragging if you get him in the sweepstake. 11th in this a year ago and is now 10lb higher in the handicap, not a pair of cards for a successful Grand National hand. Those factors do account for him being a better horse this season, winning at Cheltenham and finishing second in the Kerry National and Coral Gold Cup. Only 1lb higher for latter effort, but likely to feel the pinch of the dealer late on.
2/5
16. Oscars Brother – Connor King/Daniel King
If your brother’s name is Oscar, congratulations on your participation in the 2026 Grand National. Would be one of the more romantic winners for a trainer who only saddles two horses from County Tipperary yard. Slightly less romantically, he has been bought by JP McManus this season, but would still be some story. Boasts a promising profile for this, and looked a thorough stayer in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase last time. Could have a bit more to come too.
4/5
17. Mr Vango – Sara Bradstock/Jack Tudor
Stout stayer who might have won this race if born a decade or two earlier. Alas, has almost no chance now and not just because of what this race has become. Nearly won the Becher Chase in December off 12st and is only 2lb higher in the handicap, but has pulled up on both starts since, which is most unlike him. Ten-year-old narrowly missed out on the race 12 months ago and Vango won’t be going on many shortlists.
1/5
18. High Class Hero – Willie Mullins/James Bowen
Akin to those footballers who were bizarrely burdened with the name Pele after the original one retired, High Class Hero has not quite proven that. He has not been far off at times, finishing second in a Grade 1 novice hurdle. Two Ps on his last two starts are not promising, especially as he has acted up at the start of both. Handicapper has a grip on him based on third in last year’s bet365 Gold Cup and might be favourite if a bookie offers odds on Mullins’ lowest finisher.
1/5
19. Stellar Story – Gordon Elliott/Robbie Dunne
What a Stellar Story it would be if Ryanair giants Gigginstown won this with a Gordon Elliott-trained horse again. Then we might get the joys of Michael O’Leary besmirching the handicapper’s name for the next 12 months. It is possible too. Has run on without threatening over 3m-3m2f, but has shaped like a marathon runner often. Was third to Grangeclare West in the Bobbyjo and is now 21lb better off. Connections know what is required and may possess enough class.
4/5
20. Beauport – Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies/Sam Twiston-Davies
Led as late as the third last a year ago before fading to 12th. That showed that Beauport can go for a long way and profile this season suggests trainers have only had one day in mind since. Is 3lb lower in the handicap, which is not enough to make a difference to him winning, but is going to be 100/1 or bigger and that is what the Grand National should be about. Expected to finish, but not in contention.
2/5
21. Captain Cody – Willie Mullins/Jonathan Burke
Cheeky winner of the 2025 Scottish National when nurdled home by Harry Cobden. Has a 12lb hit to overcome in this demonstrably tougher race, but will stay better than any of his rivals on Ayr evidence. Bobbyjo run was a bit concerning last time, as is the fact he has fallen or unseated on two of his last six starts. Arrives under the radar and possibly far enough down the handicap, but difficult to shake the feeling that Cody is too American a name to win this.
3/5
22. Jagwar – Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero/Mark Walsh
This is a very fun way of pronouncing the animal’s name. Say it out loud for a second and see. Conversely, this has not been a very fun horse to follow this season: three times favourite, three times beaten less than two lengths, zero wins. 5lb well-in after a fast-finishing second at Cheltenham last time and is a seven-year-old firmly on the up who could love this staying test. Similar to Iroko last year, he has the frame in his sights if adapting his jumping.
4/5
23. Perceval Legallois – Gavin Cromwell/Harry Cobden
Percy the Welshman is back after an unsuccessful debut album last year. Departed at Valentine’s, but was just 10/1 at the off and difficult to know how he would have fared. Did arrive off the back of a big handicap victory the previous December, whereas neither effort has troubled the winner this term. However, was somewhat of an eyecatcher last time out and is 2lb lower than 12 months ago yet four times the price. Trainer may have laid him out and he is one to watch.
4/5
24. Gorgeous Tom – Henry De Bromhead/Sean Flanagan
If your brother is called Oscar, and your name’s Tom, and you’re Gorgeous, well what can I say? You’ve completed the 2026 Grand National already. Competing rather than completing is the aim of the game for the Henry De Bromhead-trained eight-year-old, who used to finish races with a flourish, but has done that less over staying trips. Consistent, but it’s difficult to make the case for Tom winning. At least he’ll look fabulous.
2/5
25. The Real Whacker – Patrick Neville/Gavin Sheehan
Gave punters a whack when upsetting Gerri Colombe in the 2023 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase. Has only won one of his 13 races since then and been last on his previous two runs. However, yard have clearly had this as the plan all season, and the handicapper has dropped him to a mark off which his best could be good enough. This is unlikely to be his ideal test, but easy to imagine the Whacker gallivanting over Aintree for a long way.
3/5
26. Quai De Bourbon – Willie Mullins/Donagh Meyler
Close to the Pont Neuf and the ruins of the Bastille, Quai De Bourbon ranks about the 98th most interesting thing to see in Paris. That’s about where his chances rank for this year’s National too. Has potential to do better than he has been able to show over fences, with third at Leopardstown at start of March a move in the right direction. That evidence does not scream Grand National winner, but was third as favourite in the 2025 Irish Grand National. Mid-division is likely if he completes.
2/5
27. Answer To Kayf – Terence O’Brien/John Shinnick
Briefly looked like threatening in the Bobbyjo Chase, thus producing an unlikely kingmaking performance. Instead faded to fourth, which was much more like it. Did not appear to stay 4m when he ran at Punchestown last season, so despite winning Navan’s Troytown Chase over 3m and the British handicapper being relatively lenient, looks booked for also-ran status unless finding the answer to life, the universe and everything.
2/5
28. Jordans – Joseph O’Brien/Ben Jones
Is he named after the shoe? In which case, does he wear four of them? Surely not what Michael had in mind when designing with Nike. Basketball is a sport for tall jumpers I suppose. Jordans shot the wrong hoop last time out, adding a 0 to his formbook at Leopardstown, but trainer has had this as a long term plan, suggesting trips short of 3m are inadequate. Quite a lot of faith required, but a long way from his last dance just yet.
2/5
29. Final Orders – Gavin Cromwell/Conor Stone-Walsh
Two words nobody ever wants to hear, and two words connections will ignore if able to pull off the Cheltenham Cross Country/Grand National double. Similar candidate for this yard was pulled up 12 months ago, but was probably unlucky in running, as well as higher in the handicap. No such issues for this ten-year-old who should go forward and likes good ground. Will get that on Saturday, has tactical pace from his 2m days, and could surprise.
4/5
30. Marble Sands – David Killahena & Graeme McPherson/Tom Bellamy
Not many Grand National contenders race on the flat at Goodwood the previous October, but this horse did. Stayed on really well to win a 3m4f handicap chase at Cheltenham in November, then bumped into a well-handicapped type in Wetherby’s Rowland Meyrick Chase. He would probably have been a quarter of his current price ten years ago, but does not boast a modern National profile. May find his marbles slipping away quicker than sand through your fingers.
2/5
31. Panic Attack – Dan Skelton/Harry Skelton
The feeling I had when I saw that Holywell was barely able to peer above the first fence in 2016. Hopefully for the Skeltons their mare gets further than the second fence. She should do, and she should go well, having bolted clear in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury for an 8lb rise. That is no longer the most accurate Grand National barometer, but she was going further clear the further she went that day. Third in the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham could set her up to be among the leading Brits off a good racing weight.
3/5
32. Top Of The Bill – Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies/Toby McCain-Mitchell
If he is Top Of The Bill come Sunday it will be one of the great Aintree shocks. Another who would fit right in among, say, the 2007 Grand National field. Second in the Haydock Grand National Trial last time out and worth a go at a marathon distance, but they finished in a close bunch at Haydock. Is 1lb well-in now, but would need to be a stone better than this mark, which is stretching even tabloid credibility.
1/5
33. Johnnywho – Jonjo & A J O’Neill/Richie McLernon
Johnny who? Johnny Patrick McManus that’s who. This is the sixth horse likely to carry his colours on Saturday so keep an eye on those shiny, colourful caps. Denied Jagwar in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and will be 6lb higher in the near future. Shook off his own nearly man tag that day, though Richie McLernon still has his; he was leading after 4m 3f 199 yards in the 2012 Grand National. Having lost that in the shadow of the post, redemption is possible aboard this nine-year-old, though class edge may be lacking.
3/5
34. Twig – Ben Pauling/Beau Morgan
Sometimes imagining the commentator calling the winner home is the best betting denominator. Can we imagine Richard Hoiles bellowing “and Twig wins the National”? No. It is almost certainly that simple. Adequate tenth place a year ago and has won the Becher Chase since, but is 11 years old now and races off the same mark as in 2025. Best ability has been to somehow sneak into this race for the past two seasons at the very foot of the handicap.
2/5
35. Pied Piper – NON RUNNER
Do not be beholden to this Pied Piper’s tune as he has fallen on his last two starts. That is now four falls in his last 14 runs over obstacles, so he is obviously too busy charming followers than focusing on what is in front of him. Quite a high-class horse on his day, but he is bred for the flat, which possibly explains the stumbles, and 4m2f will likely elicit fumes rather than a piper’s song.
1/5
36. Imperial Saint – Philip Hobbs & Johnson White/Callum Pritchard
Possesses an excellent record over the Mildmay Course at Aintree, winning his first three races there, then second over 3m1f at this meeting last term. Won the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock this year when well-backed before hampered at Cheltenham. Has begun to shape like a thorough stayer and among the more interesting massive outsiders for the dreamers.
3/5
37. Amirite – Henry De Bromhead/Phillip Enright
Didn’t think you’d be making it this far down Amirite? Benefits from three horses being non runners since Wednesday declarations, which is unprecedented. 2lb higher than when fourth in last year’s Topham and stamina will surely give way beyond around 3m-3m2f. Still at least he’s in the race Amirite? And hey, these jokes never get old…Amirite?
1/5
Verdict
That word class. An intangible adjective. Some have it. Some don’t. This pinstickers’ guide probably lacks plenty. Whatever makes up class, it is important in the Grand National nowadays. Top of the list is Grangeclare West, therefore, who can go two better than 12 months ago. My top five all possess it though, with I Am Maximus potentially booked for second once again. Stellar Story is on a good racing weight, while JP McManus’ colours are expected to be prominent with Jagwar and Perceval Legallois too.
- Grangeclare West
- I Am Maximus
- Stellar Story
- Perceval Legallois
- Jagwar