Grand National pinstickers’ guide to runners
Grand National 2026: Essential Information for Saturday’s Race
Saturday, April 11, sees the 2026 Grand National take place at Aintree. The BBC Sport website and app will provide live text updates, while BBC Radio 5 Live and Sounds will deliver race commentary and post-race analysis. With 34 contenders vying for the title, here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider.
Non-Runners to Watch
Three entries have been withdrawn from the competition: racecard number 2 (Nick Rockett), 7 (Spillane’s Tower), and 35 (Pied Piper). These decisions impact the field, so keep an eye on how the remaining horses adapt to the absence of these favorites.
Top Contenders
Among the 34 runners,
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.
stands out as a potential threat, though his performance over the past year raises some questions.
Panic Attack: Aintree Specialist
Racecard number 1, Panic Attack, is trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend. The 10-year-old carries 11st 12lb, with a form record of 82-925. Gina highlights:
“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.”
Her assessment suggests a strong contender with a solid track record.
Grangeclare West: Absent but Impactful
Number 2, Grangeclare West, has been ruled out. This decision follows his previous run, where he finished second to Nick Rockett in a faster-paced race. Despite his withdrawal, his performance in 2025 remains a benchmark for other contenders.
I Am Maximus: Ambitious Return
Racecard number 4, I Am Maximus, is trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Patrick Mullins. The 10-year-old carries 11st 10lb, with a form record of 5-8481. Gina notes:
“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.”
His resilience and potential make him a key player in the race.
Spanish Harlem: Best Outsider
Racecard number 16, Spanish Harlem, is the best outsider according to the latest odds. Trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, the 9-year-old carries 11st 10lb with a form record of 3-P321. Gina adds:
“Returned from a long absence at the start of the season and has improved with every run, notably when an excellent second to the well-fancied Grangeclare West in Ireland’s renowned Grand National trial, the Bobbyjo Chase.”
His recent form signals a promising campaign.
Quai de Bourbon: Underdog Hope
Racecard number 34, Quai de Bourbon, is the best outsider in the field. The 9-year-old, trained by Henry de Bromhead and ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe, carries 11st 3lb with a form record of 4-3056. John comments:
“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. Indeed, so rapid his development, he was sent off as a 6-1 chance for the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month.”
His versatility and adaptability could be his key strengths.
Form Abbreviations
Form codes: F – Fell, P – Pulled up, U – Unseated rider, S – Slipped up. These indicators help assess a horse’s recent performance and potential for the Grand National.
Final Thoughts
With ratings and odds fluctuating, the race remains highly competitive. Some horses, like
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.”
are favored on softer ground, while others face challenges in the race’s demanding conditions.
