Grand National 2026: Every Horse Rated and Ranked for Aintree's Iconic Race
The Grand National, the most celebrated event in the British racing 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 Defending champion Nick Rockett has been withdrawn due to illness, but the 2024 winner I Am Maximus returns, aiming to add another victory to his impressive record.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. Here is our detailed pinstickers guide, rating and ranking every horse in the field.
Top Contenders and Key Ratings
I Am Maximus (Willie Mullins) – Rating: 8/10. Winner in 2024 and runner-up last year, he seeks to emulate Red Rum by securing a second National win after a loss in between. His experience and form make him a formidable force.
Haiti Couleurs (Rebecca Curtis) – Rating: 9/10. A marathon specialist who has already claimed the Irish and Welsh Nationals, he loves long-distance tests. Despite a run in the Gold Cup, he remains a major player with strong stamina.
Oscars Brother (Connor King) – Rating: 10/10. Initially seen as a mudlark after a hat-trick of novice chase wins, he proved his versatility on quicker ground at Cheltenham. Well-handicapped and with exceptional staying power, he is a top favourite.
Stellar Story (Gordon Elliott) – Rating: 8/10. After years of competing at the highest level, he now appears well-handicapped and could outperform rivals like Grangeclare West and Gerri Colombe from previous meetings.
Quai De Bourbon (Willie Mullins) – Rating: 8/10. Often overlooked among stablemates, he finished third in the Irish National last year and showed a return to form recently, making him a dark horse contender.
Mid-Field and Outsider Analysis
Banbridge (Joseph O'Brien) – Rating: 5/10. A classy winner of the 2024 King George, but stamina over the National distance is a concern, requiring a leap of faith.
Gerri Colombe (Gordon Elliott) – Rating: 7/10. A former top-class performer who returned to win last time out, though his best days may be behind him, limiting his chances.
Firefox (Gordon Elliott) – Rating: 6/10. Best performances have been at shorter distances, and a fourth in the Irish Gold Cup suggests this trip might be beyond him.
Spanish Harlem (Willie Mullins) – Rating: 7/10. Overlooked due to stable strength, he nearly won the Thyestes Chase but needs to recover from a poor last run to contend.
Final Orders (Gavin Cromwell) – Rating: 7/10. Transformed from a two-miler to a dour stayer, winning the Cross Country at Cheltenham, with class that could emulate Tiger Roll's double success.
Long Shots and Potential Surprises
Lecky Watson (Willie Mullins) – Rating: 5/10. A Cheltenham Festival winner last year, but struggles this season mean a revival in handicap company is needed to spark a challenge.
Champ Kiely (Willie Mullins) – Rating: 4/10. Beat Ballyburn at Punchestown but form has declined, with stamina doubts adding to the negatives.
Iroko (Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero) – Rating: 8/10. Favourite last year, finishing fourth as a seven-year-old, but concerns over a dirty scope at Cheltenham and adaptability persist.
Mr Vango (Sara Bradstock) – Rating: 4/10. A major player last year, but recent poor performances and a need for boggy ground reduce his competitiveness.
Amirite (Henry de Bromhead) – Rating: 3/10. Fourth in the Galway Plate but with two big disappointments since, he is unlikely to feature in the finish.
Verdict and Predictions
As the Grand National evolves each year, novices like Oscars Brother are increasingly targeting the race before handicappers can fully assess them. Oscars Brother tops the list, showcasing class and adaptability on varying ground conditions. Haiti Couleurs would have been a strong favourite if not for his Gold Cup run, but he has bounced back before, winning the Welsh National. Other horses capable of making the frame include Stellar Story and Quai De Bourbon, both well-positioned for strong performances.
Prediction:
- Oscars Brother
- Haiti Couleurs
- Stellar Story
- Quai De Bourbon
