The 2026 Grand National takes place at Aintree on Saturday 11 April, and for the first time in a few years, there's no single horse dominating the build-up. With Grand National betting shaping up to be one of the most open markets in recent memory, the field has real depth from top weight all the way down the handicap. Here is a look at the horses with a serious case to make.
Iroko
Trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero in Cheshire, this year’s favourite Iroko finished fourth last year, despite being the favourite then too. This season, he had wind surgery to improve his breathing, and improved noticeably, winning a graduation chase at Ascot in December by nearly five lengths. His Aintree prep this time was in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. Owner JP McManus has won the National three times before, and Iroko, at eight years old, is precisely the age at which these horses tend to peak.
I Am Maximus
Willie Mullins won in 2024 with I Am Maximus, who returned in 2025 to go back-to-back, only to be denied by stablemate Nick Rockett. Last year, he carried the top weight of 11st 12lb, and he faces the same burden again in 2026. A second place in December's Savills Chase suggests he hasn't gone backwards. The weight is a significant ask, but a horse who has won this race and come within a length of winning it again the following year cannot be dismissed lightly. He sits joint second in the market at around 10/1.
Grangeclare West
The last two Bobbyjo Chase winners at Fairyhouse, I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett, both went on to win the Grand National that same year. Grangeclare West won this season's renewal in February, staying on powerfully in heavy ground to beat Gerri Colombe by five and a half lengths. He finished third at Aintree last year, though a mistake at the final fence arguably flattered those who finished ahead of him. He is currently third-favourite in the betting markets, priced at 12/1.
Haiti Coleurs
Trained by Rebecca Curtis in Wales, Haiti Couleurs won the Irish Grand National and the Welsh Grand National, giving him one of the most impressive staying chase records in the field. He pulled up at Haydock in November but bounced straight back to win the Welsh edition at Chepstow on 27 December, travelling strongly throughout under Sean Bowen. He heads to the Cheltenham Gold Cup before Aintree, and how he comes out of that will tell connections a lot. Currently priced at 16/1, he has the form and the stamina to run a big race.
Nick Rockett
Last year's winner, ridden by Patrick Mullins in one of the most emotional results Aintree has seen in years, has not run since his victory last April. Whether he returns to his best after such a long absence is the key question. Back-to-back winners are extraordinarily rare in this race, and he carries 11st 11lb. He is currently the eighth favourite, available at around 28/1, reflecting the uncertainty around his comeback.
