Grand National runners, favourites and odds for 2026: Key horses to notice | EUROtoday

A most discipline of 34 horses will line up at Aintree for the Grand National on April 11, however the preliminary listing of entries is way longer.

JP McManus-owned Iroko, fourth within the 2025 Grand National, is the present favorite for the race and will likely be carrying 10lbs lower than final yr’s winner Nick Rockett.

Another contender within the well-known inexperienced and gold silks is 2024 winner I Am Maximus, who’s prime weight at 11st 12lbs.

The preliminary entries are listed under in Bet365 best-odds order. These will likely be whittled down over the course of the jump-racing season.

Grand National 2026: Full listing of entries

Iroko (Fra) 8yo, 11st 1lb

Owner: Mr John P. McManus
Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
Odds: 7/1 (Fav)
Verdict: Ante-post favorite for the race after staying on nicely to complete fourth final yr, leaping the primary in final place and having to make up quite a lot of floor late on giving the impression he raced a bit far out of his floor. That could have been inexperience. Wind operation since and airways clearly clear after chasing house Gold Cup hope The Jukebox Man at Haydock, after which successful at Ascot over two and a half. Stronger, a yr older, ought to be there or there abouts once more and mushy floor could be even higher.

I Am Maximus (Fra) 10yo, 11st 12lbs

Owner: Mr John P. McManus
Trainer: W. P. Mullin
Odds: 10/1
Verdict: The winner in 2024 and a really gallant second underneath a giant weight final yr – Mullins put defeat right down to not having had three begins – which makes him a little bit of an Aintree legend in my ebook. Going to be prime weight this time after a superb second to Affordale Fury within the Savills Chase at Christmas, although didn’t run to fairly that stage within the Irish Gold Cup. Should be there or thereabout once more and within the cash, however weight stops trains and that may be the distinction between first and second once more.

Captain Cody (Ire) 8yo, 10st 10lbs

Owner: V Caldwell/A Shamoon/Mrs A Shamoon Ibgi
Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 16/1
Verdict: Last yr’s Scottish National winner, who unseated behind Haiti Couleurs within the National Hunt Chase. Fell early within the Thyestes when despatched off as favorite on its final begin, suggesting leaping a slight problem. Modern Aintree takes so little leaping nowadays, I don’t assume any horses ought to be downgraded for not being an incredible le’per.

Haiti Couleurs (Fra) 9yo, 11st 10lbs

Owner: Conyers, McDermott and Prowting
Trainer: Rebecca Curtis
Odds: 16/1
Verdict: Has an terrible lot going for him, offering he doesn’t go away all of it at Cheltenham within the Gold Cup. Won final season’s National Hunt Chase after which the Irish National, typically a pointer to Aintree. A facile winner of the Welsh National underneath a giant weight simply after Christmas so we all know he can carry it. It’s some time because the one and solely Welsh educated winner – the Pembrokeshire-trained Kirkland in 1905 – however he appears made for it. Earth Summit was the final horse to win three correct Nationals (Aintree, Scottish and Welsh) and Haiti Couleurs may additionally get three out of the 4, though taking within the Gold Cup en route might be a combined blessing.

Panic Attack (Ire) 10yo, 10st 5lbs

Owner: Bryan Drew
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Odds: 16/1
Verdict: Only 13 mares have received the race, the final being Nickel Coin in 1951. Revelation of the season actually. In sensational type, successful the Paddy Power Gold Cup after which, overcoming fears about her stamina, the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. If Dan Skelton can maintain her at that stage she would have an excellent likelihood. Travels, jumps and sophistication with sky excessive stage of confidence, and even the handicapper is questioning if he’s under-cooked her weight within the handicap.

Monty’s Star (Ire) 9yo, 11st 3lbs

Owner: Mr Barry Maloney
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Odds: 20/1
Verdict: Has solely received considered one of his 11 begins over fences and that was a newcomers chase in 2023, however he’s constantly within the cash or thereabouts in Grade Ones together with fourth in final yr’s Gold Cup. Coming properly to the boil, operating a lot better than the tip end result recommended behind Fact To File within the Irish Gold Cup – difficult for the lead on the second final. Can deal with any floor and certain, I assume, to soak up the Gold Cup once more en route.

Grangeclare West (Ire) 10yo, 11st 10lbs

Owner: Cheveley Park Stud
Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 25/1
Verdict: Named after a townland in County Kildare. Gallant and shut third in final yr’s race. Stayed on nicely for fourth within the Savills Chase after rooting the final which may have price him the race. Marginally disappointing within the Irish Gold Cup. Still, which means he’ll carry the same weight to final yr and ought to be in there preventing on the end as soon as extra. Looks a superb each-way shot once more.

Jordans (Fra) 7yo, 10st 8lbs

Owner: Cheeky Pups Syndicate
Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien
Odds: 25/1
Verdict: Chased house Caldwell Potter in Grade One at Aintree final spring. Went hurdling for his first two begins of the season, one supposes to guard his handicap ranking. Pulled up within the mud, which is excusable, within the Thyestes after some late headway. Trainer already one of the crucial profitable dual-purpose trainers with two Melbourne Cups to his title, a Breeders’ Cup and Irish Derby. A National would solely improve that repute. Fits the profile the race is trending in the direction of nowadays and coach appeared extra enthusiastic about this one than Banbridge with an enormous weight.

Lecky Watson (Ire) 8yo, 11st 2lbs

Owner: Slaneyville Syndicate
Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 25/1
Verdict: Winner of final yr’s Brown Advisory at 20-1, when the steady’s red-hot favorite, Ballyburn, bombed out. Subsequently fell on the fifth in equal race at Punchestown and never a lot doing this season. He was nearly inside hailing distance of Affordale Fury in Savills Chase however pulled up in Irish Gold Cup. Probably desires higher floor than that however again to a handicap may assist regain mojo.

Oscars Brother (Ire) 8yo, 10st 13lbs

Owner: Mr John P. McManus
Trainer: Connor King
Odds: 25/1
Verdict: Interesting, quickly bettering eight-year-old novice for 2 horse steady of Connor King, 29, and ridden by his brother, Daniel. Victory would make King the youngest-ever successful coach. The McManus workforce noticed sufficient earlier than he received the Ten Up at Navan to step in and purchase him and it’s now wanting a shrewd buy. Could take within the Brown Advisory, the place he could be in with an opportunity, on the best way to Aintree.

Nick Rockett (Ire) 9yo, 11st 11lbs

Owner: Stewart & Sadie Andrew
Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 28/1
Verdict: Last yr’s winner who had landed the Thyestes and Bobbyjo Chases on his manner. Not seen out but this season after sustaining over-reach within the autumn and one other set again at Christmas. Needs to run in a chase earlier than March 23. In outdated Nationals you can at all times put a line by means of the earlier yr’s winner however I’m unsure that’s such a superb system now. However, the handicapper likes a little bit of democracy and does his greatest to make sure horses don’t win two Nationals, so he’s clobbered with weight, and one imagines there will likely be one thing like he was final yr to come back and beat him if he makes it.

Now Is The Hour (Ire) 9yo, 10st 7lbs

Owner: BDS Syndicate
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
Odds: 33/1
Verdict: Still bang there when falling two out within the National Hunt Chase final yr. Finally received a chase, after some good efforts in defeat, when storming house late on heavy floor to win the Thyestes Chase when his yard was out of shape. Was not successful something going to the final however nailed Better Times Ahead on the road. Should be doing his greatest work from the second final. Wants a superb little bit of lower and possibly wouldn’t run if it was good like final yr.

Resplendent Grey (Ire) 8yo, 10st 11lbs

Owner: Mrs R. J. Skan
Trainer: Olly Murph
Odds: 33/1
Verdict: Winner of final season’s Bet365 Gold Cup. Amazingly, just one horse has ever received each races in any order; Mr Frisk in 1990. An out-and-out gray galloper who was solely 11 lengths behind Haiti Couleurs within the National Hunt Chase final yr. Taken out of his consolation zone at Windsor within the Fleur de Lys Chase. Should be nicely suited by the acute journey.

Spanish Harlem (Fra) 8yo, 11st 3lbs

Owner: Dr S. P. Fitzgerald
Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 33/1
Verdict: Owned by the race sponsor who celebrates 10 years in that function this time. Slightly bone-headed jumper liable to the odd clanger. Carried out within the Scottish National however ran a superb fourth in final yr’s Bet365 Gold Cup whereas nonetheless a maiden over fences. Has received a pair since and was operating the race of his life for 7lb claimer Sean Cleary-Farrell, who was getting an incredible tune out of him when he made a mistake and unseated with the Thyestes at his mercy. You can blunder your manner spherical Aintree nowadays however he would need to get into a superb rhythm there if he’s to win it for Randox.

Spillane’s Tower (Ire) 8yo, 11st 8lbs

Owner: Mr John P. McManus
Trainer: James Joseph Mangan
Odds: 33/1
Verdict: From the yard of Monty’s Pass, the 2003 winner. Disappointing favorite for the 2024 King George, however put himself within the body as an each-way shot for the Gold Cup when successful the Cotswold Chase on Cheltenham trials day. Don’t assume there will likely be too many stamina points though he campaigned primarily at two-and-a-half miles. Sometimes not overly fluent over his fences and probably lacks a little bit of big-handicap expertise for a 32-runner chase.

Favori De Champdou (Fra) 11yo, 11st 1lb

Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 40/1
Verdict: Refound his mojo by going cross-country, the Tiger Roll route. Fell first time nevertheless it sparked him up sufficient to win a giant handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas and comply with up with facile cross-country success again at Cheltenham in January. Will certainly return to Cheltenham first, however has quite a bit going for him. We haven’t had an 11-year-old since we had three in a row between 2012, 13 and 14 with Neptune Collonges, Aurora’s Encore and Pineau de Re.

Gorgeous Tom (Ire) 8yo, 10st 9lbs

Owner: Envirogreen Housing Services Ltd
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Odds: 40/1
Verdict: Good floor operative which might be why we haven’t seen a lot of him since he completed a creditable fourth to Panic Attack within the Coral Gold Cup, typically a superb National trial, at Newbury. Stays but additionally has tempo to win over two and a half. Just as quite a lot of Nicholases cashed in on Nick Rockett final yr, when you’re referred to as Thomas look no additional in your fiver, he may nonetheless be a bit forward of the handicapper and is bettering.

Jagwar (Fra) 7yo, 10st 10lbs

Owner: Mr John P. McManus
Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
Odds: 40/1
Verdict: From the identical steady and proprietor because the favorite. Good type. Likes Cheltenham and received the Plate there final March, however out-battled by Donnacha within the mud on Trials day. Also entered within the Ryanair Chase and must deal with three miles earlier than lengthy to qualify.

Three Card Brag (Ire) 9yo, 11st

Owner: McNeill Family/Patrick & Scott Bryceland
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 40/1
Verdict: Finished eleventh behind Nick Rockett in final yr’s National, a good distance behind. Was up within the van for a lot of the best way and doing an excessive amount of earlier than operating out of puff three out. Appears to run his greatest races on first rate floor, which might be why we haven’t seen a lot of him since he ran a stormer in second behind Panic Attack within the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. Still bettering, however may have a bit extra weight than a yr in the past. If he settles this time, not out of it.

Banbridge (Ire) 10yo, 11st 11lbs

Owner: Mr R. A. Bartlett Joseph
Trainer: Patrick O’Brien
Odds: 50/1
Verdict: Good floor specialist, one wonders in the event that they water the monitor an excessive amount of for a horse like him to win a National nowadays. Winner and second within the final two King George’s at Kempton. Class act on his day and coach Patrick O’Brien needs to be the very best dual-purpose coach in Ireland.

Better Days Ahead (Ire) 8yo, 10st 11lbs

Owner: Bective Stud
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 50/1
Verdict: Relatively inexperienced chaser who round-up his novice season by ending third within the Brown Advisory after which a reasonably distant sixth, overwhelmed 27 lengths by Haiti Couleurs, within the Irish National. Not seen out since however has an entry within the Boyne Hurdle, a route Tiger Roll took, and the Ryanair at Cheltenham. Would prefer to see him out earlier than making an evaluation.

Champ Kiely (Ire) 10yo, 11st 1lb

Owner: Miss M. A. Masterson
Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 50/1
Verdict: Won a Grade One novice chase over three miles at Punchestown final spring, however since ending a detailed second over two miles on his first begin this season not a lot has gone proper for him. Clipped heels and got here down after fourth within the Savills Chase, which can have left its mark on him at Tramore, and by no means an element within the Irish Gold Cup. Might be again within the recreation with a confidence booster someplace and, on the weights, Patrick Mullins is kind of candy on him.

Firefox (Ire) 8yo, 11st 4lbs

Owner: Bective Stud
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 50/1
Verdict: Has spent most of his profession knocking round over two-and-a-half miles however stepped as much as three miles with a superb effort behind Fact To File within the Irish Gold Cup. Beaten by Iroko at Ascot earlier than Christmas. Appeared to be ridden to select up the items there so it’s a job to know whether or not he will get the journey or not, however have to be a tiny doubt.

Gentlemansgame 10yo, 11st 3lbs

Owner: Robcour
Trainer: M. F. Morris
Odds: 50/1
Verdict: Good however difficult-to-keep-sound gray who has a contact of sophistication about him. Third in final yr’s Gold Cup was most likely peak Gentlemansgame. Stays longer than the mother-in-law, however has not been seen out since, which suggests getting him on the racecourse just isn’t getting any simpler, though Mouse Morris was profitable with Rule The World and that is most likely a greater horse.

Handstands (Ire) 7yo, 10st 13lbs

Owner: Mr T. P. Radford
Trainer: Ben Pauling
Odds: 50/1
Verdict: Still the apple of his coach’s eye regardless of not fairly occurring for him since he beat Gold Cup hope Jango Baie on heavy floor within the Scilly Isles Novice Chase at Sandown in February 2025. Had to hold a Grade One penalty at Windsor so his third behind Protektorat within the Fleur De Lys Chase will be marked up. Had a wind op after the Betfair Chase so shouldn’t run out of puff and a return to a handicaps may be a assist.

High Class Hero 9yo, 10st 11lbs

Owner: Sullivan Group Ltd/P. Crowley/N. Hughes
Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 50/1
Verdict: Once received 5 on the bounce when going from bumpers to novice hurdles. Won his newcomers chase in February 25. Third when despatched off favorite (primarily as a result of he was the selection of Paul Townend) behind Resplendent Grey within the Bet365 Gold Cup, proving he stays, and might be happiest on good floor. Not a lot doing this season to date however that’s to not say he received’t enhance for some spring floor and a visit. Patrick Mullins reckons he’s attention-grabbing and ‘high’ on the listing.

Johnnywho (Ire) 9yo, 10st 4lbs

Owner: Mr John P. McManus
Trainer: Jonjo & A.J. O’Neill
Odds: 50/1
Verdict: Winner of solely considered one of his 9 begins over fences and could be a bit irritating. Runner-up in final yr’s Kim Muir at Cheltenham, which was most likely his greatest effort. Had a spin spherical Aintree within the Grand Sefton within the autumn over journey, in need of his greatest, however regardless of ending fifth, the Irish National final spring most likely raised extra query marks about his excessive stamina than it answered.

Perceval Legallois (Fra) 9yo, 10st 9bs

Owner: Mr John P. McManus
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
Odds: 50/1
Verdict: With an incredible document in big-race handicaps and his coach’s type, Percy the Gaul was despatched off joint-third favorite final yr. He was going properly sufficient when coming down after a couple of mile at Valentine’s first time, so too early to say. Nothing like that type this time however coach’s horses are out of shape for the center a part of the season and if he begins banging them in once more, this horse might be a participant.

Stellar Story (Ire) 9yo, 10st 11lbs

Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 50/1
Verdict: One win from seven begins over fences. Best efforts embody ending second to Lecky Watson in final yr’s Brown Advisory and third to Grey Dawning within the Betfair. Prominent for a good distance within the Savills earlier than fading behind Affordale Fury. Would probably get a run however most likely handicapped as much as his greatest. Soft floor could be a giant assist.

Western Fold (Ire) 7yo, 11st 1lb

Owner: Weld-Spec (Glasgow) Ltd/Dee L’Estrange
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 50/1
Verdict: Novice who fell on his first begin over fences however realized a lesson and, although nonetheless a novice this season, has received 4, most notably beating Affordale Fury over two and a half within the autumn. Mostly campaigned over two and a half so has a little bit of pace however has acquired three miles nice on his two begins over that journey, together with a detailed third to Envoi Allen in a Grade One at Down Royal. Wants first rate floor and may be one of many Elliott workforce’s higher pictures.

Amirite (Ire) 10yo, 10st 2lbs

Owner: Patrick Hale
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: A great floor operator whose final win was at Kilbeggan in the summertime. Tried his hand at cross-country in December however nicely overwhelmed after shedding a shoe. Stays and jumps on the entire however Henry de Bromhead, who famously received it with Minella Times, has had higher pictures than this fella. Am I proper?

Answer To Kayf 10yo, 10st 8lbs

Owner: Mr Denis A. O’Connor
Trainer: Terence O’Brien
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: The wetter the higher, this one doesn’t thoughts any quantity of mud. Fourth behind Now Is The Hour within the Thyestes Chase. Good fourth within the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham a few years in the past, very a lot climate dependent and any sightings of Noah on Merseyside in early April is taken into account useful.

Anyway (Ger) 8yo, 9st 11lbs

Owner: Okay. Haughey/Kieran T. Byrne David
Trainer: Kenneth Budds
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: A German nobleman has owned the winner of the National however few if any German-bred horses have ever run in it. Prince Franz Hatzfeldt had 11 runners between 1904 and 1910, successful it in 1906 with Ascetic’s Silver. Anyway, Anyway’s greatest type was when runner-up to Caldwell Potter within the novice handicap at Cheltenham final yr at odds of 125-1. Probably struggling to make the lower on present ranking.

Croke Park (Ire) 8yo, 10st 8lbs

Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Trainer: Gordon Elliot
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: Has not received since beating Better Days Ahead in a Grade One novice chase at Leopardstown at Christmas in 2024. Lumbered with a Grade One penalty in Grade Twos and Threes this season, and may be higher again in a handicap. Michael O’Leary and Gordon Elliott most likely have higher pictures than this one.

Final Orders 10yo, 10st 5lbs

Owner: C. M. D. Syndicate
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: I don’t assume any horse on this yr’s race may have run extra typically beginning off on the Flat for Simon Crisford, and as soon as ridden on the all-weather at Newcastle by Grand National-winning jockey Graham Lee. His subsequent begin will likely be his seventieth. His newest incarnation is as a cross-country horse and received at Cheltenham in December. Did not run too badly behind Favori de Chamdou final time, so that you’d think about that the Festival will likely be his first port of name. Needs good floor.

Flooring Porter (Ire) 11yo, 11st 1lb

Owner: Flooring Porter Syndicate
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: Two-time Staying hurdler winner. Not positive his chasing has ever fairly matched the usual he confirmed over hurdles, though he received a Kerry National on his penultimate begin. First run for over a yr behind Spillane’s Tower at Cheltenham, you’d have thought he would come on for that and, clearly, a category act on his day.

Grey Dawning (Ire) 9yo, 11st 10lbs

Owner: Mr Robert Kirkland
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: Went one higher within the Betfair Chase this season with a facile win at Haydock in November when held up till he had jumped the final. After that he was the shortest-priced British hope within the Gold Cup, however that place has slipped a bit. Third behind Spillane’s Tower within the Cotswold Chase after the Irish horse gave him a superb kicking at the beginning, which most likely didn’t assist. The kind of horse you can see travelling to the final, whether or not the lengthy run-in would then catch him out stays to be seen.

Impaire Et Passe (Fra) 8yo, 11st 5lbs

Owner: Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede,
Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: A two-and-a-half miler who’s unbeaten in two begins at Aintree, each Grade Ones. Smart novice chaser final season however fell early on on his first begin over three miles at Punchestown final spring. Entries within the Gold Cup and Ryanair, however nonetheless wants to complete within the first 4 over three miles. Reappearance at Gowran mid-Feb, a dash end over two miles, three furlongs, confirmed that he most likely has an excessive amount of pace within the speed-stamina equation for the time being and extra prone to run over one thing on Mildmay course.

Leave of Absence (Fra) 9yo, 10st 4lbs

Owner: Mr Richard & Mrs Carol Cheshire
Trainer: Anthony Honeyball
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: Only as soon as has he not completed within the first three in his entire profession, and that was when the bottom was thought of a bit mushy for him at Cheltenham in November, however a superb second to Deep Cave at Ascot earlier than operating nicely behind Haiti Coulours within the Denman when fallacious on the weights and on floor manner too heavy for him. Wouldn’t be a shock if he outran his value.

L’Homme Presse (Fra) 11yo, 11st 8lbs

Owner: Dfa Racing (Pink, Edwards & Sharman)
Trainer: Venetia Williams
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: A former class act, even when his final win is disappearing within the rear view mirror. A great fourth as not too long ago in 2024 within the Gold Cup. It most likely helps if he will get out of the fitting facet of mattress a bit these days. Ran a superb second to Gold Cup outsider Spillane’s Tower within the Cotswold Chase, giving weight, however didn’t soar with any fluency behind Haiti Couleurs within the Denman at Newbury. A few years in the past may need been despatched off favorite for a race like this, however most likely not now.

Mr Vango (Ire) 10yo, 10st 12lbs

Owner: Cracker and Smodge Partnership
Trainer: Sara Bradstock
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: Definitely one on the quick listing. Looks made for a mushy/heavy-ground National, though he proved when second to Twig within the Becher Chase and when successful the Midlands National final yr that he’s efficient at a visit on good to mushy. Bit screwed round by the climate this winter, ready for the rain, after which having to place up with abandonments. Returned house after pulling up at Sandown with a foot abscess, so no thriller there. Midlands National subsequent up.

Quai de Bourbon (Fra) 7yo, 10st 9bs

Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 66/1
Verdict: Sent off 11-2 favorite for the Irish National – as a lot as something as a result of he was Paul Townend’s chosen one – regardless of having fallen within the Brown Advisory and been introduced down by his stablemate within the Mildmay at Aintree. Didn’t soar overly nicely however completed third, 10 lengths behind Haiti Couleurs. Whether that left a mark is unclear however pulled up in each begins this season. Will have to at the least full one to warrant consideration.