Newsboy's Ultimate 2026 Grand National Pinstickers' Guide
Ahead of Saturday's Randox Grand National, the nation's premier horse racing event, thousands of punters are preparing to place their bets on the 34-runner marathon over Aintree's famous spruce fences. This unique race captures the public's imagination like no other, with once-a-year gamblers hoping to pick the winner of the gruelling 4m2f contest.
The field is headed by I Am Maximus, the 2024 race winner and current ante-post favourite, trained by champion trainer Willie Mullins. He leads a strong Irish contingent, while Panic Attack, from British champion trainer elect Dan Skelton's stable, heads the home defence. Notable contenders also include JP McManus-owned horses Jagwar, Iroko, and Johnnywho, who follow in the betting.
Comprehensive Horse-by-Horse Analysis
To assist punters in making their selections, Newsboy has produced his ultimate pinstickers' guide, offering detailed assessments and star ratings for every runner.
I AM MAXIMUS (Paul Townend) ****
Despite patchy form this season and the historical challenge of top weights (none have won since Red Rum 52 years ago), his stylish 2024 Grand National victory and fine second in 2025 suggest another strong performance is likely.
BANBRIDGE (JJ Slevin) **
A top-class chaser who nearly retained his crown in the King George VI Chase but struggled at Cheltenham last month. The marathon distance poses a significant question mark.
GRANGECLARE WEST (Mr P W Mullins) ****
Returned to winning form in the Bobbyjo Chase and, despite being 10 years old and 3lb higher than when finishing an excellent third last year, remains a rock-solid contender.
GERRI COLOMBE (Jack Kennedy) **
The 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up hasn't reached the same level since returning from a 421-day absence, and his recent win at Down Royal is far from what's required here.
HAITI COULEURS (Sean Bowen) ***
Has victories in the Irish and Welsh Nationals but was pulled up in the Gold Cup last time. This test could potentially trigger a renaissance.
FIREFOX (Keith Donoghue) *
Carries 3lb more than current handicap ratings suggest and hasn't convinced beyond 3m recently, making him easy to oppose.
MONTY'S STAR (Darragh O'Keeffe) ***
A regular at top level with no secrets from the handicapper, but could thrive in a stamina test and is capable of going well.
SPANISH HARLEM (Brian Hayes) **
Kerry National winner who tipped up at the last when leading the Thyestes Chase, but pulled up twice this term and unreliable.
LECKY WATSON (Sean O'Keeffe) **
Top novice last season but has struggled in open company this term, with his tendency for jumping errors likely a major drawback.
CHAMP KIELY (Danny Mullins) ****
Sound jumper who won at Punchestown last April but beaten by 62 lengths in last two starts, requiring significant improvement.
IROKO (Jonjo O'Neill Jr) ***
Fine fourth as favourite last year but had an excuse (mucus) when well-beaten at Cheltenham last month, making preparation less than ideal.
FAVORI DE CHAMPDOU (Danny Gilligan) ***
Followed a 66-1 shock at Leopardstown with cross-country success but, at 11 years old, has paid a price with the handicapper for his resurgence.
THREE CARD BRAG (Jordan Gainford) *
In good form early winter but major disappointment when favourite for National prep at Fairyhouse and 11th last year tempers enthusiasm.
OSCARS BROTHER (Daniel King) ****
The least experienced chaser with just six attempts over fences but on a hat-trick before fourth at Cheltenham; an improver likely suited by stamina test.
MR VANGO (Jack Tudor) *
Mudlark who won Midlands, Devon, and London Nationals before second in Becher Chase, but wheels have come off in two starts since.
HIGH CLASS HERO (James Bowen) **
Impressed with third in bet365 Gold Cup last April but pulled up both starts this year, leaving questions unanswered.
STELLAR STORY (Robert Dunne) ***
High-class novice chaser last season, wearing blinkers for third to Grangeclare West at Fairyhouse in February, capable especially if ground softens.
BEAUPORT (Sam Twiston-Davies) *
Captured Midlands and Berkshire Nationals in 2024 but tailed off 12th last year and recent form doesn't inspire confidence.
CAPTAIN CODY (Jonathan Burke) *****
Smooth winner of Scottish Grand National last April, though hasn't shone on heavy ground lately and is 12lb higher; spring terrain could be key.
JAGWAR (Mark Walsh) ***
Statuesque gelding placed in all three starts this season, 5lb well in on last month's second to Johnnywho, and can get involved if lasting home.
PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS (Harry Cobden) **
Fancied last year but fell at ninth fence and doesn't arrive on same upward trajectory, so has something to prove.
GORGEOUS TOM (Sean Flanagan) ****
Marked handicap debut with fourth in Coral Gold Cup and fifth over shorter at Leopardstown last month should put this likely stayer spot on.
THE REAL WHACKER (Gavin Sheehan) **
Top-tier winner as novice in 2023 but only one victory in 12 outings since, and even with eased burden, unlikely to cash in.
QUAI DE BOURBON (Donagh Meyler) **
Third in Irish Grand National last April but pulled up in two of three starts since, with room for jumping improvement.
ANSWER TO KAYF (John Shinnick) *
Netted big pot at Navan but assessor has accounted for it, and errors plus need for deep ground make him easy to overlook.
JORDANS (Ben Jones) **
Overcame untidy jumping for Grade 1 second here in 2025 but only three finished that day and questionable stayer has plenty on plate.
FINAL ORDERS (Conor Stone-Walsh) ***
Thrived in cross-country with two Cheltenham wins this season, but had bright spots in handicap chases last spring and not written off.
MARBLE SANDS (Kielan Woods) ***
Came home well to win at Cheltenham in November, and while defeated in Topham Chase last year, stamina test could suit as an outsider.
PANIC ATTACK (Harry Skelton) ***
Improved this season for hat-trick over fences before defeat at Cheltenham, but this test could suit and no forlorn hope to be first winning mare since 1951.
TOP OF THE BILL (Toby McCain-Mitchell) **
Scored at Haydock in November and decent second in Grand National Trial but made mistakes that day and needs to brush up jumping.
JOHNNYWHO (Richie McLernon) ***
Ended frustrating sequence with victory from Jagwar at Cheltenham last time but weakened into fifth in Irish National last April, raising stamina doubts.
TWIG (Beau Morgan) *
Game effort to land Becher Chase in December but well beaten 10th last year and likely found wanting at business end.
IMPERIAL SAINT (Callum Pritchard) ***
Good record over regulation fences, though toughest test with National obstacles and increased distance, but capable of decent show at big odds.
AMIRITE (Philip Enright) *
Got round when fourth in Topham Chase last year but failed for stamina in long-distance events, so National distance looks a step too far.
Newsboy's Predicted Top Six Finishers
After thorough analysis, Newsboy predicts the following order for the 2026 Randox Grand National:
- CAPTAIN CODY
- OSCARS BROTHER
- I AM MAXIMUS
- GORGEOUS TOM
- GRANGECLARE WEST
- CHAMP KIELY
This guide provides punters with essential insights to navigate the complexities of the Grand National, combining expert ratings with strategic predictions for one of horse racing's most unpredictable and thrilling events.
