A star-studded field of 34 runners head to the 4m 2f 74y start for the 2026 Randox Grand National at 4pm on Saturday 11th April. Steve Chambers previews the world’s greatest steeplechase and takes a look at the latest odds, runners and trends.
He then picks out his 1-2-3-4 for the big race, as he fancies a 66/1 shot to cause an almighty shock at Aintree this weekend.
2026 Grand National Runners
With reigning champion Nick Rockett ruled out, we only have one former winner in the shape of I Am Maximus, who will have top weight to carry. A winner in 2024 and second in 2025, the Willie Mullins-trained star is back for another crack and is entitled to be a well-fancied challenger as he looks to regain the National crown.
JP McManus has a plethora of leading fancies, with I Am Maximus spearheading the green and gold challenge. Johnnywho won at Cheltenham last month and heads to Aintree in fine fettle. Jagwar is another former Cheltenham winner and has been a real model of consistency this year, and was second at the festival last month. Oscars Brother and Iroko are another classy pair set to line up for McManus and both are prominent in the betting.
A fine third in last year’s race, Grangeclare West is back for more. A shuddering mistake at the final fence saw his challenge thwarted. However, he’s a proven class act and heads into the contest in fine fettle. Coral Gold Cup and Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Panic Attack is a leading contender for Dan Skelton. She failed to land a blow in the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham, but is one that could relish this test.
Haiti Couleurs failed to figure in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but the former Welsh & Irish Grand National winner is bidding to add the English version to his CV. With stamina assured, he’s one that will be staying in the closing stages. Captain Cody has won a Scottish National and is another Mullins-trained runner, while Cross Country winner Final Orders has to be respected.
Plenty line up with a big chance, with former Grade 1 winner Gerri Colombe another classy angle. Further down the betting, the likes of Champ Kiely, Lecky Watson, Firefox and Favori De Champdou add more depth to a strong Irish challenge.
2026 Grand National Odds & Racecard
16:00 Aintree
Good To SoftRandox Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
- First Prize: £500000
- 4m 2f 74y
- Class 1
- 37 runners
- Win time: 9m 9s
9/2F (Won)
- Win: £5.50
- Place: £2.30
18/1
- Place: £5.10
28/1
- Place: £6.80
12/1
- Place: £3.40
66/1
40/1
22/1
25/1
50/1
14/1
100/1
20/1
50/1
28/1
40/1
40/1
33/1
9/1
33/1
50/1
50/1
14/1
66/1
33/1
80/1
22/1
17/2
33/1
50/1
33/1
66/1
7/1
50/1
100/1
100/1
100/1
100/1
Non-runners
Nick Rockett, Spillanes Tower, Pied Piper
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £117.40 |
| Straight Forecast | £69.03 |
| Tricast | £2179.46 |
| Trifecta | £6025.10 |
Selections
Daily Mirror:
Captain CodyTHE NORTH:
The Real WhackerSPOTLIGHT:
Monty’s StarDaily Record:
Grangeclare WestThe Sun:
JagwarPOSTDATA:
Stellar Story2026 Grand National Trends
Our stats and trends guru has compiled a list of all the Grand National Trends you need to be aware of:
2026 Grand National Tips
Fourth in the Irish Gold Cup earlier in the season behind the classy triumvirate of Fact To File, Gaelic Warrior and Galopin Des Champs, FIREFOX has to be considered a huge player if replicating that run. Gordon Elliott’s eight-year-old is a huge price for the Grand National, and whilst stamina may not be his forte he has shown some top notch form on good ground. Sixth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, he found it all a bit too taxing that day, but the flatter track at Aintree should play to his strengths. Yet to win over three miles, you are taking a punt on him staying, but he certainly has some of the best form on offer.
Jagwar has been hugely frustrating this season and was second again at Cheltenham. He’s the kind that will take to this sort of challenge, but he may just struggle to get his head in front after the last. I Am Maximus is sure to run a huge race off top weight and can’t be seen out of the frame, while the novice Oscars Brother can make it a 2-3-4 for the JP McManus silks.
FAQs
When and where is the Grand National run?
The Grand National will take place at Aintree racecourse on Saturday 11 April, 2026 at 4.00pm.
How can I watch the Grand National on Saturday?
The Grand National is shown live on ITV Racing at 4.00pm.
When were the Grand National tips published?
The tips for the Grand National were published at 12pm on Thursday 9 April.
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