Grand National 2026: Full Horse Ratings and Rankings for Aintree Showdown

Grand National 2026: Every Horse Rated and Ranked for Aintree

The Grand National, the most iconic race in the British sporting calendar, is set to captivate audiences once again with a maximum field of 34 horses confirmed for the 2026 edition at Aintree. Defending champion Nick Rockett, slated to wear number 2, has been withdrawn due to a coughing issue, but the 2024 winner I Am Maximus returns, aiming to add another victory to his impressive record. Competition is fierce, with contenders like stablemate Grangeclare West and the rapidly-improving Oscars Brother, ridden by Daniel King for trainer Connor King, poised to challenge.

Comprehensive Pinstickers Guide to the Field

Here is our detailed analysis, rating and ranking every horse in the Grand National 2026 field out of 10, providing insights into their form, stamina, and chances.

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I AM MAXIMUS (Willie Mullins) Rating: 8
Won the 2024 Grand National and finished second last year. He seeks to emulate Red Rum by winning a second National after a loss in between, showcasing his enduring class and resilience.
BANBRIDGE (Joseph O'Brien) Rating: 5
Winner of the 2024 King George, his class is undeniable. However, three miles stretches his stamina limit, making a leap of faith necessary over this longer distance.
GRANGECLARE WEST (Willie Mullins) Rating: 8
Finished third last year and would have contended for victory without a mistake at the final fence. His campaign has been tailored for a return bid, and he impressed in the Bobbyjo on his last outing.
GERRI COLOMBE (Gordon Elliott) Rating: 7
A former top-class performer, he returned from a hiatus to win last time out. Logic suggests his peak may be behind him, but he remains a contender.
HAITI COULEURS (Rebecca Curtis) Rating: 9
Had he not run in the Gold Cup, he would be a massive favourite. Already a winner of the Irish and Welsh Nationals, he excels in marathon tests and is a key player.
FIREFOX (Gordon Elliott) Rating: 6
His best performances were over shorter distances until a fair fourth in the Irish Gold Cup. Beaten at Cheltenham, this trip likely exceeds his capabilities.
MONTY'S STAR (Henry de Bromhead) Rating: 6
Has not fully met early expectations but maintains a good level. This race appears to be his target this year, and a big run cannot be ruled out.
SPANISH HARLEM (Willie Mullins) Rating: 7
Overlooked due to stable strength, he should have won the Thyestes Chase but unseated at the last. Needs to recover from a poor last run.
LECKY WATSON (Willie Mullins) Rating: 5
Won at Cheltenham Festival last year but has struggled this season. A return to handicap company might spark a revival, but it is necessary.
CHAMP KIELY (Willie Mullins) Rating: 4
Beat Ballyburn at Punchestown Festival but form has declined since. With stamina doubts, there are multiple negatives.
IROKO (Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero) Rating: 8
Favourite last year, he ran a stormer to finish fourth as a seven-year-old. Looked better this season before a dirty scope at Cheltenham; concerns remain about his adaptability.
FAVORI DE CHAMPDOU (Gordon Elliott) Rating: 6
Found new life over cross country fences, similar to Tiger Roll. At 11 years old and handicapped to the hilt, he faces challenges.
THREE CARD BRAG (Gordon Elliott) Rating: 5
In great form early season, winning at Cheltenham and second in Coral Gold Cup. Beaten in the Bobbyjo after a break, hard to fancy now.
OSCARS BROTHER (Connor King) Rating: 10
Proved he can handle quicker ground at Cheltenham after a hat-trick in novice chases. Still well-handicapped and stays all day, making him a top contender.
MR VANGO (Sara Bradstock) Rating: 4
A major player last year but failed to make the cut; recent runs have seen decline. Needs boggy conditions to compete.
HIGH CLASS HERO (Willie Mullins) Rating: 4
Even Willie Mullins might struggle to get this one to win. Form has fallen off a cliff recently after being a beaten favourite last season.
STELLAR STORY (Gordon Elliott) Rating: 8
Has mixed with the best for years and now looks well-handicapped. Better off with Grangeclare West and Gerri Colombe from their last meeting.
BEAUPORT (Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies) Rating: 6
Enjoyed the first half last year but faded into 12th after doing too much too soon. Set to be ridden more conservatively this year.
CAPTAIN CODY (Willie Mullins) Rating: 7
Won last year's Scottish National and trained for this day. Drying ground favours him, and he is no forlorn hope if he takes to the fences.
JAGWAR (Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero) Rating: 7
Seen as a perfect type but keeps finding ways to lose. Should have won at Cheltenham; if he falls behind early here, he could struggle.
PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS (Gavin Cromwell) Rating: 6
Won two big handicaps in Ireland last season but fell early in this race last year. Little to recommend based on this season's form.
GORGEOUS TOM (Henry de Bromhead) Rating: 6
A promising novice chaser last season, with a good run over a short trip followed by fourth in the Coral Gold Cup. This race has been the plan since.
THE REAL WHACKER (Paddy Neville) Rating: 5
Grade One winner at Cheltenham as a novice but generally struggled since. Front-running type who could outrun his odds.
QUAI DE BOURBON (Willie Mullins) Rating: 8
Under the radar compared to stablemates, third in the Irish National last year and returned to form last time out.
ANSWER TO KAYF (Terence O'Brien) Rating: 5
A great horse for connections, won the Troytown in November but shot up the weights, facing a stiff task as a result.
JORDANS (Joseph O'Brien) Rating: 4
Looked a nice prospect last season with a career-best second in Grade One company here. Struggled this season with big stamina doubts.
FINAL ORDERS (Gavin Cromwell) Rating: 7
Completed transformation to dour stayer by winning the Cross Country at Cheltenham. Has class, and Tiger Roll proved the double can be done.
MARBLE SANDS (David Killahena and Graeme McPherson) Rating: 4
Got round over Topham fences last year but well beaten. In good heart this year, winning at Cheltenham and second in Rowland Meyrick, but looks up against it.
PANIC ATTACK (Dan Skelton) Rating: 7
A revelation this season, pulling off the Paddy Power/Coral Gold Cup double. If she stays this trip, she is a big player.
TOP OF THE BILL (Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies) Rating: 4
Found a niche in valuable staying handicaps, second in Grand National Trial at Haydock. This race is a different challenge.
JOHNNYWHO (Jonjo and A J O'Neill) Rating: 8
Looked an unlucky loser last season at Cheltenham and made amends last month. He is 6lb well-in and must be on any shortlist.
TWIG (Ben Pauling) Rating: 5
Ran better than position suggested last year and won the Becher this season, proving he likes the fences. Still looks up against it.
IMPERIAL SAINT (Philip Hobbs and Johnson White) Rating: 6
Course specialist on Mildmay track but this is different. Ironic if he wins for owner Richard Johnson, who had 21 rides without success.
AMIRITE (Henry de Bromhead) Rating: 3
Fourth in Galway Plate but two big disappointments since. Hard to see him playing a part in the finish.
AIN'T THAT A SHAME (Tom Ellis) Rating: 2 - RESERVE
Finished sixth two years ago but only run once since, with a tired fall at Kelso.
DEEP CAVE (Christian Williams) Rating: 3 - RESERVE
Progressive earlier in the season but struggled recently; this could be too hot at this stage.
BUDDY ONE (Paul Gilligan) Rating: 2 - RESERVE
Once a useful hurdler, but recent form suggests he cannot defy likely long odds.

Verdict and Predictions

With the Grand National evolving each year, it is no surprise that novices are increasingly targeted before the handicapper can fully assess them. Top of the list for 2026 is OSCARS BROTHER, who strung together wins in deep winter ground before demonstrating class and adaptability on quicker surfaces with a fourth-place finish to Kitzbuhel at Cheltenham. Had Haiti Couleurs not run at Cheltenham, he would be a strong fancy, but he has already bounced back from a poor run to win the Welsh National. Other horses capable of making the frame include Stellar Story and Quai De Bourbon.

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