The final 34 runners have been declared for the race - Steve Ryder provides a runners guide and his best bet.
Grand National 2026
The final field for the 2026 Randox Grand National is now set, with a maximum of 34 runners confirmed for Saturday’s showpiece at Aintree. After weeks of speculation, the list has been trimmed from an initial pool of 49 entries, leaving a highly competitive line-up for one of racing’s most iconic contests.
Defending champion I Am Maximus heads the market despite carrying top weight, as he bids to add another chapter to his remarkable Aintree record following victory in 2024 and a runner-up finish in 2025. Last year’s third, Grangeclare West, has also attracted strong support in the build-up, adding further intrigue at the head of the betting.
There was late drama at the final declaration stage, with Spillane’s Tower sneaking into the field, leaving Pied Piper just missing the cut as first reserve. Connections of the Gordon Elliott-trained runner now face an anxious wait ahead of Friday’s 1pm reserve deadline, with several others, including Imperial Saint also on standby should any late withdrawals occur.
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Grand National Runners Guide
I AM MAXIMUS
The 2024 winner and 2025 runner-up behind stablemate Nick Rockett. The ten-year-old exceeded expectations at 50/1 when finishing 2nd in the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown this season, before a 5th-place finish in the Irish Gold Cup behind Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior. He is now rated 1lb higher than last year but arguably arrives in stronger form. It will be interesting to see whether Paul Townend keeps the ride.
NICK ROCKETT
Last year’s winner who beat I Am Maximus by 2½ lengths under Patrick Mullins. The nine-year-old has been seen just once since, finishing 3rd behind Gerri Colombe and the veteran Roi Mage at Down Royal. While that’s not an ideal prep, this race has clearly been the long-term target.
BANBRIDGE
Winner of the 2024 King George VI Chase, he finished runner-up in the same race this season when fitted with a first-time visor. He was 3rd in the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham last time and would have stamina concerns if lining up here instead of the Grade 1 Bowl Chase.
GRANGECLARE WEST
A Grade 1-winning novice in 2023 who finished 3rd, beaten just 3 lengths, in this race last season behind Nick Rockett and I Am Maximus. Sent off at 33/1, he looked the most likely winner before a costly mistake at the last. He arrives here after beating Gerri Colombe by 5½ lengths in the Bobbyjo Chase under Paul Townend, who now has a key riding decision to make.
GERRI COLOMBE
The ten-year-old finished 2nd to Galopin Des Champs in the 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup before landing the Grade 1 Bowl Chase. After a 421-day absence, he struggled early this season but showed a return to form when 2nd in the Bobbyjo Chase and then winning at Down Royal last time.
HAITI COULEURS
Winner of the 2025 National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham before following up in the Irish Grand National. A three-time winner this season, including the Welsh Grand National and Denman Chase, but he needs to bounce back after pulling up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
SPILLANE’S TOWER
Connections have waited for suitable soft ground, so participation remains uncertain despite being declared. The Jimmy Mangan-trained eight-year-old rebounded from two below-par hurdle efforts to win the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase in January.
FIREFOX
Runner-up in the 2024 Top Novices’ Hurdle, he ran well to finish 4th in the Irish Gold Cup before placing 6th in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last time. He has yet to win beyond 2m4f, so stamina is a concern. Also holds an entry in the Topham Chase.
MONTY’S STAR
A talented nine-year-old despite only two wins from seventeen starts. He has high-level form, including a 4th in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, and appears to have been campaigned with this race as the main objective.
SPANISH HARLEM
Winner of the Kerry National this season and looked set to land the Thyestes Chase before unseating at the last when clear. He needs to recover from a pulled-up effort in the Bobbyjo Chase last time.
LECKY WATSON
A progressive novice last season, winning the Grade 1 Brown Advisory at Cheltenham before falling at Punchestown. He has been well beaten in four starts this season but could improve for better ground conditions.
CHAMP KIELY
Ten-year-old who caused an upset at 22/1 when beating Ballyburn in a Grade 1 novice chase at Punchestown. He shaped well on reappearance but has disappointed in top company since.
IROKO
An eight-year-old with strong Aintree form, having placed on all three visits including in this race last year. Finished 4th off 152 and returns off 157. Needs to bounce back from a below-par Cheltenham run behind Johnnywho.
FAVORI DE CHAMPDOU
Now eleven but in peak form this season. Won the Paddy Power Chase and a Cross Country event at Cheltenham before finishing 2nd at the Festival. Looks a proven stayer suited by this test.
THREE CARD BRAG
Finished 11th in last year’s race and is now 10lb higher. Won at Cheltenham in October and was 2nd in the Coral Gold Cup but arrives off a heavy defeat in the Bobbyjo Chase.
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OSCARS BROTHER
A progressive novice who was bought by JP McManus before winning the Grade 2 Ten Up at Navan. Ran well to finish 4th in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham on ground that may not have suited.
MR VANGO
A ten-year-old who won the London National, Peter Marsh and Midlands National last season. He was narrowly beaten by Twig in the Becher Chase but has since pulled up twice. Softer ground would be ideal.
HIGH CLASS HERO
Finished 3rd in the bet365 Gold Cup last season and runner-up on reappearance. However, he has pulled up on his last two starts and may struggle off his current mark.
STELLAR STORY
Winner of the 2024 Albert Bartlett, he finished 2nd in the Brown Advisory the following year. Has struggled this season, beaten comprehensively on all three starts.
BEAUPORT
Won the Berkshire National by 31 lengths last season but could only finish 12th in this race. Has run respectably since but arrives after two underwhelming hurdle runs.
JAGWAR
A progressive seven-year-old with strong form figures over fences. Runner-up to Johnnywho in the Ultima over 3m+ and shapes as though this trip could suit, though jumping remains a concern.
PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS
Fell early in this race last year when well fancied. Has been well beaten twice this season but now runs off a slightly lower mark.
GORGEOUS TOM
Grade 3-winning novice who has been consistent this season but is unproven beyond 2m4f, raising stamina concerns.
THE REAL WHACKER
Beat Gerri Colombe at Cheltenham in 2023 and won the Charlie Hall in 2024. Has struggled badly in recent starts but is now better handicapped.
QUAI DE BOURBON
Lightly raced over fences with just one win but finished 3rd in the Irish Grand National. Showed signs of a return to form when 3rd at Leopardstown last time.
ANSWER TO KAYF
Winner of the Troytown this season and placed in both the Thyestes and Bobbyjo. Faces a tougher test off a higher mark.
JORDANS
Grade 3 winner and runner-up in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase last season. Has struggled this term but could be well treated if bouncing back.
FINAL ORDERS
Two Cross Country wins this season, including over Favori De Champdou. Proven stamina and effective on better ground.
MARBLE SANDS
Won over an extended trip at Cheltenham and ran well in the Rowland Meyrick. May find this level too competitive.
PANIC ATTACK
A progressive mare who has impressed since going chasing, including strong efforts in major handicaps. Finished 3rd in the Mares’ Chase and should relish this stamina test.
TOP OF THE BILL
Runner-up in the Haydock Grand National Trial and a previous course winner. Conditions look ideal for his stamina-driven style.
JOHNNYWHO
Ultima winner at Cheltenham in first-time cheekpieces after wind surgery. Beat Jagwar and is effectively well-in at the weights.
TWIG
Won twice this season, including the Becher Chase over these fences. Runs off a slightly higher mark than that success but has proven course form.
Grand National Tips
- Liam Frikin's Grand National Ante Post Selections (Premium)
- Racing Lee's Grand National Ante Post Tips and Best Bets (Premium)
- Andy Holding's Grand National Ante Post Tips (Premium)
- Ginger Joe's Grand National Ante Post Bet (Premium)
Steve Ryder's Grand National Ante Post Tip: Lecky Watson Click here to read the article.
Having already tipped LECKY WATSON (best priced at 40/1) for the race, I will highlight a few who have made it to the shortlist to keep an eye on.
JAGWAR (12/1) has slight doubts with regards to stamina and jumping but this could be a race that really suits him.
JORDANS (25/1) was 2nd in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase last season behind Caldwell Potter as has been campaigned with this race in mind all season. He has slight stamina doubts but could prove well treated off a mark of 150.
