2026 Grand National Preview: Key Contenders to Watch at Aintree
The 2026 Randox Grand National is now firmly on the horizon, with racegoers, trainers, and punters alike turning their attention to Aintree Racecourse ahead of the iconic steeplechase on Saturday 11th April 2026. The world’s most famous jump race — a grueling test of stamina, jumping ability, and tactical nous over 4 miles 514 yards and 30 fences — promises another dramatic chapter in its long history.
Race Day & Festival Build-Up
The Grand National Festival runs over three days from 9–11 April, culminating in the big race itself at 4:00 pm on Saturday — a peak moment in the British sporting calendar. It’s a spectacle watched by millions globally, combining elite National Hunt racing with festival fashion, atmosphere and unmissable drama.
Early 2026 Grand National Field & Leading Names
At this stage of the season the final 34-runner field isn’t confirmed — the official weights, declarations and final acceptances will be confirmed closer to early April — but ante-post betting markets and early entries give us a strong indication of the most talked-about horses:
⭐ Iroko (Odds ~8/1)
- Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
- Key Facts: A consistent staying chaser with previous Grand National experience — finishing fourth in last year’s renewal — Iroko has been well-supported in early betting markets and looked strong on seasonal return after wind surgery.
🥈 I Am Maximus (Odds ~12/1)
- Trainer: Willie Mullins / Jockey: Paul Townend
- Key Facts: Winner in 2024 and runner-up in 2025, I Am Maximus remains one of the standout stayers of recent seasons. Despite carrying high early marks in the handicap, his record at the top level keeps him among the leading contenders.
🍀 Haiti Couleurs (Odds ~14/1)
- Trainer: Rebecca Curtis
- Key Facts: A dual National winner — triumphant in both the Irish and Welsh Grand Nationals — Haiti Couleurs brings proven stamina and staying class to Aintree.
🐎 Captain Cody (Odds ~20/1)
- Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Key Facts: Scottish Grand National winner in 2025, Captain Cody has the sort of proven durability and jumping ability that could come into its own over the famous Aintree fences.
🏆 Nick Rockett (Odds ~25/1)
- Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Key Facts: The defending champion from the 2025 Grand National, Nick Rockett’s previous success on the big stage ensures he’ll be backed by many supporters again — though his early odds suggest plenty of each-way value.
Other Early Names & Interesting Prospects
While bookmakers’ markets evolve rapidly, a number of other potential entrants and grey stayers have been mentioned in ante-post lists — including grey horses such as Resplendent Grey, Grey Dawning, Vanillier, Intense Raffles and others that traditionally attract public interest due to their striking appearance.
As with all early National fields, expect these lists to change dramatically after key seasonal markers such as:
- The Cheltenham Festival (mid-March),
- Official weights announcement, and
- Scratchings deadlines in early and late March.
What to Expect Before Declarations
🔹 Initial Entries & Odds Movements
Initial entry lists often contain around 90+ horses, which are gradually whittled down to the statutory 34 runners plus reserves as the season progresses.
🔹 Form, Fitness & Ground Conditions
Stamina, jumping reliability and seasonal targets will be key factors for trainers planning Aintree bids. Some familiar names may bypass the National in favour of other spring targets; for example, long-distance specialists like Stumptown were being considered earlier in the season but may now be aimed elsewhere.
🔹 Betting Trends & Tips
Early ante-post markets already show a tight group of likely favourites, but there’s typically value to be found further down the card — and any horse with Cheltenham form or major staying wins under its belt should be monitored closely as the weights and declarations emerge.
Conclusion: Early Verdict on the 2026 Grand National Field
Although the 2026 Grand National field won’t be finalised until early April, the early movers in the market point to a mix of established big-field performers, fresh staying talents from around the UK and Ireland, and a few real dark horses capable of springing a surprise.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Aintree, placing ante-post bets, or simply soaking up the build-up to one of the most unpredictable races in sport, this long-range preview highlights the key contenders and stories shaping the race at this stage.
Stay tuned for more updates, in-depth analysis and expert betting guides as we move closer to Grand National Day — when legends are made, and fortunes can be won or lost over Britain’s toughest fences.
