Grand National pinstickers’ guide to runners
Grand National Pinstickers’ Guide to Runners
2026 Race Preview
Saturday’s Grand National at Aintree will feature 34 competitors, with key factors such as their performance, jockeys, and training teams highlighted. However, three entries—number two (Nick Rockett), number seven (Spillane’s Tower), and number 35 (Pied Piper)—have been withdrawn from the event.
Key Contenders
Among the 34 runners, several stand out as potential favorites. The horse known as Panic Attack, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, is expected to contend strongly after a consistent showing in recent races. At 10 years old, it carries 11st 12lb, with a form record of 82-925.
“Gina: Winner in 2024 before running equally well to finish second to stablemate Nick Rockett last year on faster ground. The Willie Mullins-trained Aintree specialist must have another excellent chance this year, off just a 1lb higher mark.”
Grangeclare West, also trained by Willie Mullins but ridden by Patrick Mullins, returns with a form of 5-8481. At 10 years old, it carries 11st 10lb and has previously placed third in the 2025 race.
“John: Finished third last year, beaten by just three lengths. An excellent effort by a horse who has always had a touch of class. It wasn’t all smooth sailing 12 months ago as he was hampered at fence 25 (Valentines Brook) and then made a mistake of his own creation at the last fence.”
I Am Maximus targets its second Grand National triumph, with a form of 7-4423 and a weight of 11st 11lb. This 10-year-old, trained by Joseph O’Brien, has shown promise in the King George and Kempton races.
“Gina: Won the King George in 2024 before coming within a nose of repeating the feat at Kempton this season. He’ll likely get his preferred faster surface but doubts remain over his ability to stay this trip, having struggled over a testing three miles in the past.”
Emerging Stars
Spanish Harlem has emerged as a notable contender, with a form of 4-3056 and a weight of 11st 3lb. The 9-year-old, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, has a strong seasonal record.
“John: A regular performer at the top, Grade One level for the past two years, but his win in a small race on New Year’s Eve 2023 remains his only win over fences. On his previous form behind Fact To File and fellow National rival Spillane’s Tower, he can be fancied.”
Quai de Bourbon is labeled as the best outsider, while Monty’s Star and I Am Maximus also figure prominently. The racecard includes a note that approximate odds may shift, reflecting the dynamic nature of the competition.
Form and Performance Insights
The form abbreviations are critical for analysis: F = Fell, P = Pulled up, U = Unseated rider, S = Slipped up. For instance, Fact To File has a form of 21246, indicating a mix of strong and inconsistent performances. At 8 years old, it carries 11st 4lb and is trained by Gordon Elliott.
“Gina: Unproven stamina and has looked to struggle over extended trips at the top level in recent starts. He looks up against it here, for all his trainer has won this race three times before.”
Meanwhile, Spanish Harlem has moved to 7/10 on soft ground, signaling improved prospects. Other horses, like Quai de Bourbon, have also caught attention for their potential on varied conditions.
Weight and Age Considerations
Weight carried and age are pivotal factors. Many competitors, including I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West, are 10-year-olds, while others are slightly younger. The top weight is 11st 12lb, and soft ground may favor certain horses over drier conditions.
“John: Firmly established as one of the stars of the 2025-26 season with fabulous victories in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow and the Denman Chase at Newbury—just months after winning the Irish Grand National. Indeed, so rapid his development, he was sent off as a 6-1 chance for the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month.”
With the race set for April 11 at 16:00 BST, bettors and fans can follow live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, along with real-time updates on the BBC Sport platform. The challenge remains to determine which horse will rise above the rest in this iconic event.
