The Grand National is the most iconic event on the horse racing calendar. It attracts huge attention from punters all over the world every year. Run over four miles at Aintree, it tests stamina, jumping, and determination like no other race. The 2026 renewal looks especially competitive, with a strong mix of proven stars and improving contenders lining up.
With so many runners, finding the winner can be a challenge. We have taken the time to analyse recent form, trends, and key performances to narrow the field. Below, we have broken down the leading contenders, highlighted the key stats, and provided our expert Grand National 2026 predictions and betting tips.
Grand National Preview
I Am Maximus returns as the 2025 runner-up and 2024 winner. He ran a huge race under top weight in the event last year. Willie Mullins believes he needed more runs last season, which could explain that defeat. He looked sharp in a second-place finish in the Savills Chase, but was below that level in the Irish Gold Cup. He is a contender to run well again, but top weight could stop him from winning two Grand Nationals in three years.
Grangeclare West finished a close third in this race last year and comes here after a strong trial win in the Bobbyjo Chase. He stayed on well in the Savills Chase earlier in the season. His main concern is his jumping, as he often makes mistakes at the last fence. If he jumps cleanly, he has a big chance.
Improving staying chaser Jagwar ran an excellent second in the Ultima at Cheltenham. That was his first try at this longer trip, and he shaped well. His jumping was not perfect that day, which may have cost him the win, but if he tidies that up, he could go very close. Meanwhile, Haiti Couleurs has been one of the most progressive staying chasers this season. He won the Welsh National impressively under a big weight, showing strong stamina. However, his poor run in the Gold Cup raises some concerns, and he would have to bounce back despite being well-suited to this race.
Panic Attack has been a standout performer this season, winning two major handicaps before a solid Cheltenham run. She travels strongly and jumps well, with plenty of confidence. Her stamina now looks proven, and she could have more to offer. She looks like a serious contender. Johnnywho arrives after winning the Ultima at Cheltenham. That was his first run after a wind operation, and he may improve again. There are still questions about his stamina for this extreme trip. However, he is clearly in good form and cannot be ignored.
Nick Rockett, last year’s winner, returns after a quiet preparation this season. He ran well on his comeback when third at Down Royal and should improve on that run. However, he carries a much higher weight this time. That makes repeating last year’s success much more difficult. Oscars Brother is a rapidly improving novice who represents a smaller stable. He ran well in the Brown Advisory and continues to progress. This is a big step up in class and experience. Still, he is an interesting outsider with potential.
Captain Cody won the Scottish National last year and has shown ability over staying trips. His jumping has been a concern at times, including a recent fall. However, modern Aintree fences are less demanding than before. Better ground could help him show his best form. Monty’s Star has been consistent in top races without winning many of them, running well in the Irish Gold Cup and shaping better than the result suggested. He stays well and handles strong competition. He may not win often, but he is capable of hitting the frame.
The experienced Final Orders arrives in excellent form over cross-country courses. He has won twice at Cheltenham this season and stays very well. His experience could be a big advantage in a race like this. He looks like a solid option for betting each-way. Gerri Colombe was once among the top staying chasers and is returning to form. He has improved with each run this season, including a recent win over Nick Rockett. He handles soft ground well and has proven class. If back to his best, he is a major contender.
Gorgeous Tom is an improving runner who prefers good ground and brings a useful mix of stamina and pace. While Stellar Story has strong form in top races but lacks consistency and may need softer conditions to be at his best. Jordans fits the profile of recent winners and has been carefully prepared, making him an interesting outsider despite a forgivable recent run. Favori De Champdou has rediscovered form through cross-country racing and arrives with solid recent performances. His age raises some concerns despite his experience and proven stamina.
Grand National 2026 Predictions
Winner: Iroko
This is one of the most talent-filled renewals of the Grand National in some time with an abundance of front-runners. However, Iroko gets the nod from us in our horse racing predictions. He was Fourth in last year’s renewal when sent off as the 13/2 favourite. Iroko stayed on strongly and shaped like a horse well suited to the demands of Aintree.
With another year of experience and physical development, he looks capable of improving on that effort as an eight-year-old. He can be forgiven for that run at Cheltenham after scoping dirty post-race, and he had shown excellent form before that. That includes a strong win at Ascot and a solid second on reappearance behind a future King George VI Chase winner in The Jukebox Man.
We cannot ignore I Am Maximus. Willie Mullins’ favourite was close to a back-to-back last year and is clearly well-suited to this race. However, entering at top weight after an unspectacular Irish Gold Cup makes him a bit harder to back at 15/2. He should be thereabouts, but whether he has the mettle to grab his second victory is up for debate.
Final Orders is our best each-way shout here following his excellent showing at the Cheltenham Festival. He arrives in top form after back-to-back wins over cross-country trips, showing stamina, accuracy, and a strong attitude. His experience over unique courses could prove vital in a race like the Grand National, where jumping rhythm and endurance are key. With a light weight and proven ability to stay well, he looks a solid option to hit the frame and offers good value each-way or anyone looking to utilise the SP betting markets.
Grand National Trends and Key Stats
Recent trends suggest a clear profile for Grand National winners. Most successful horses are aged between 8 and 10, with nine of the last ten winners aged either 8 or 9. Stamina is essential, with the vast majority of winners having already won over at least three miles. Experience also plays a key role, as many winners had previous runs in National-type races or over Aintree’s unique fences.
Weight remains an important factor. While a few recent winners have carried higher weights, most winners carried 10st 13lb or less, and very few have succeeded with more than 11st 5lb. Horses rated 137 or higher also dominate the statistics, highlighting the need for proven class.
Activity is also key. Most winners ran within 55 days of the race, with many competing within the previous 34 days. Horses coming from key trial races such as the Ultima, Bobbyjo Chase, or Cross Country Chase have a strong record. Irish-trained runners have dominated in recent years, winning the majority of recent renewals. The markets are also a useful guide, with most winners coming from the top eight, although double-figure odds are still common. Overall, a well-treated, in-form staying chaser with solid experience and recent race fitness fits the ideal Grand National winner profile.
Grand National 2026 Betting Tips
One of our best Grand National tips for anyone betting on horse racing is Iroko to win. He probably could’ve finished further forward during his fourth-place finish in the Grand National last year if not held up early. A duo of good showings this season were overshadowed by that Ultima run, but an operation forgives that. He looks set to arrive here in peak condition and still has room for improvement over this extreme trip. With proven course form and a workable handicap mark, he makes plenty of appeal as the one to beat at 12/1.
His stablemate Jagwar is our second choice. He finished second in the Ultima at Cheltenham in what was his first race over 3 miles. However, his jumping was a bit of a problem at times, and that is an obvious worry for Aintree’s stiff fences. With the right preperation his form rivals Iroko’s here.
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Final Orders has excellent place value at 25/1 with our online bookmaker. He arrives in top form after strong cross-country performances and has the stamina needed for this test. His experience over unique courses could prove vital, and looking low in the weights, he is a solid each-way option to hit the frame.
Banbridge and Mr Vango are the pick of the outsiders. The forecast would indicate that we are probably looking at Good ground, which would be ideal for Banbridge, worth 50/1. He was the winner and runner-up in the previous two King George Chases before his third in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham last month. JP O’Brien’s runner is top on his day.
Mr Vango would be one to look out for if the ground softens at 80/1. He looks tailor-made for a testing National on soft or heavy ground and has already proven his stamina over marathon trips. His second in the Becher Chase and win in the Midlands National highlight his suitability for this race. Recent pulled-up efforts are a concern, but they can be excused due to issues and interruptions. With a much lower weight than some of the market leaders, he could outrun his odds if conditions fall in his favour.
