Grand National 2026: A Field of Subtle Hierarchies and Stamina Tests

The 2026 Grand National presents a field that resists simplification. There is no single dominant force, no obvious heir to recent renewals, but rather a dense layering of profiles - proven National horses, Grade 1 performers stretching their stamina, and a cadre of progressive handicappers arriving at precisely the right moment.

With jockey bookings now confirmed, the race sharpens further into focus: not merely a contest of equine ability, but of human judgement, pace distribution and nerve.

The Proven Core: Experience Meets Burden

At the centre of the race sits I Am Maximus (Willie Mullins; Paul Townend), whose established National credentials make him the most reliable reference point in the field. Townend’s presence is significant: few riders manage rhythm over these fences with such economy. The question is not ability, but weight - and whether even his measured style can conserve enough energy for the closing mile.

Stablemate Grangeclare West (Patrick Mullins) offers a subtly different profile: less exposed in this sphere, but arguably still improving. Patrick Mullins’ intimate understanding of his father’s horses often proves an underappreciated asset in races of this nature.

Nick Rockett (Tom Bellamy) completes the Closutton front line. Bellamy’s booking is an interesting Anglo-Irish crossover - a rider adept at navigating big-field handicaps, now tasked with translating that skill to the most idiosyncratic test in the sport.

The Class Layer: Can Quality Outlast Distance?

The modern National increasingly tempts high-class chasers into its orbit, and 2026 is no exception.

Gerri Colombe (Gordon Elliott; Jack Kennedy) is the standout. Kennedy, one of the most tactically astute riders in the weighing room, will aim to conserve the gelding’s latent class for as long as possible. Yet Aintree is rarely kind to horses who rely on late acceleration; rhythm, not brilliance, is the currency here.

Banbridge (Joseph O’Brien; JJ Slevin) presents a more delicate puzzle. Slevin is a rider of patience, which suits a horse whose stamina remains unproven. If he travels too well for too long, suspicion will grow; if he is still on the bridle turning for home, he becomes a serious player.

Spillane's Tower (Simon Torrens) and Monty's Star (Darragh O’Keeffe) represent the next tier - progressive, unexposed, and perhaps ideally suited to a race that increasingly rewards upward trajectories rather than established ceilings.

Elliott’s Depth: Structure Over Stardom

Gordon Elliott’s challenge is characteristically broad rather than concentrated.

Firefox (Keith Donoghue) and Three Card Brag (Jordan Gainford) are archetypal Elliott runners: resilient, experienced, and unlikely to be out of position at any stage. Neither carries the aura of a headline act, but both possess the tactical elasticity required to adapt as the race unfolds.

Stellar Story (Robert Dunne) and Favori De Champdou (Danny Gilligan) add further layers, while Captain Cody (Jonathan Burke) offers a slightly more speculative angle - less exposed, but not without promise.

Elliott’s strength lies in optionality: multiple runners capable of exploiting whatever shape the race assumes.

The British Stayers: Substance Over Style

Britain’s challenge may lack numerical weight, but it compensates with clarity of purpose.

Haiti Couleurs (Rebecca Curtis; Sean Bowen) is the most straightforward proposition in the field: a relentless stayer with proven credentials in extreme-distance Nationals. Bowen, riding at the peak of his powers, is an ideal partner for such a test - aggressive when required, but rarely wasteful.

Mr Vango (Sara Bradstock; Jack Tudor) is cut from similar cloth. Tudor’s strength in the saddle suits a horse whose primary asset is endurance rather than tactical speed.

Beauport (Nigel Twiston-Davies; Sam Twiston-Davies) adds further depth. Few jockeys understand the National’s rhythms better than Twiston-Davies, and Beauport’s consistency makes him a credible threat to outlast flashier rivals.

The Intriguing Middle: Where the Race May Be Won

The most compelling narratives often sit just beneath the surface.
Iroko (Greenall & Guerriero; Jonjo O’Neill Jr) fits the profile of a modern National winner: lightly raced, tactically versatile, and still open to improvement. O’Neill Jr’s patient style aligns well with a horse likely to be delivered late.

Perceval Legallois (Gavin Cromwell; Harry Cobden) is another to note. Cobden’s composure under pressure is invaluable, particularly on a horse that should travel strongly for much of the race.

The Real Whacker (Patrick Neville; Gavin Sheehan) introduces a different dynamic altogether. A bold, attacking jumper, he may force others out of their comfort zones - a role that has historically shaped many Nationals.

High Class Hero (James Bowen) and Lecky Watson (Sean O’Keeffe) sit just behind
this group: not obvious winners, but well within the range of relevance if the race fragments.

The Supporting Cast: Chaos and Opportunity

Beyond the principal contenders lies the unpredictable heart of the race.

Spanish Harlem (Brian Hayes), Champ Kiely (Danny Mullins), and Quai De Bourbon (Donagh Meyler) represent the quieter Mullins and Irish contingent - horses who may appear secondary on paper, yet are trained with the same precision.

Jagwar (Mark Walsh) and Gorgeous Tom (Sean Flanagan) offer further depth, while Answer To Kayf (John Shinnick) and Jordans (Ben Jones) embody the seasoned handicapper archetype.

At the lower end, Final Orders (Conor Stone-Walsh), Marble Sands (Kielan Woods), and Twig (Beau Morgan) will rely on the race collapsing into their hands - not an uncommon occurrence at Aintree.

The Outliers and Wildcards

A handful of runners resist easy categorisation.

Panic Attack (Dan Skelton; Harry Skelton) is one of the more intriguing entries - a mare in a traditionally male-dominated contest, but with a progressive profile and a rider who excels in high-pressure handicaps.

Top Of The Bill (Toby McCain-Mitchell) and Johnnywho (Richie McLernon) complete the field, each bringing varying degrees of exposure and potential.

Conclusion: A Race of Balance, Not Brilliance

This is a Grand National defined not by a single outstanding horse, but by equilibrium:

Class horses attempting to stretch their stamina

Proven stayers attempting to defy the handicap

Progressive runners seeking to peak at the precise moment

In such a race, the role of the jockey becomes magnified. The difference between winning and fading into midfield is often not ability, but timing - when to commit, when to wait, and when to trust that stamina will prevail.

And so the 2026 National shapes as it often does at its best: not a spectacle of dominance, but a test of judgement - human and equine - played out over four miles, thirty fences, and the thinnest of margins between control and chaos.