– Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE), Jockey: Paul Townend, Form: 82-925, Age: 10, Weight: 11-12. Aintree specialist aiming to end a 75-year gap in Grand National victories after a strong 2024 campaign.

– Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE), Jockey: Patrick Mullins, Form: 5-8481, Age: 10, Weight: 11-10. A horse that finished third last year, narrowly missing the win, but shows promise for improvement.

– Trainer: Henry de Bromhead (IRE), Jockey: Darragh O'Keeffe, Form: 4-3056, Age: 9, Weight: 11-3. A consistent performer in Grade One races, but his only success over fences came in a smaller contest earlier in the season.

– Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE), Jockey: Brian Hayes, Form: 11PUP, Age: 8, Weight: 11-3. His name appears in a sequence of letters, making it challenging to predict his performance, though a Kerry National win hints at potential.

Sport

Grand National pinstickers’ guide to runners

Q: Runners and Their Profiles

1. Panic Attack – Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE), Jockey: Paul Townend, Form: 82-925, Age: 10, Weight: 11-12. Aintree specialist aiming to end a 75-year gap in Grand National victories after a strong 2024 campaign.2. Grangeclare West – Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE), Jockey: Patrick Mullins, Form: 5-8481, Age: 10, Weight: 11-10. A horse that finished third last year, narrowly missing the win, but shows promise for improvement.3. Jagwar – Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE), Jockey: Jack Kennedy, Form: 3-P321, Age: 10, Weight: 11-10. Returned from a long break with a strong showing, narrowly trailing Grangeclare West in a key trial.4. Jordans – Trainer: Rebecca Curtis, Jockey: Sean Bowen, Form: 1P11P, Age: 9, Weight: 11-10. A rising star with recent victories in Welsh and English races, though his potential on softer ground remains to be tested.5. I Am Maximus – Trainer: Henry de Bromhead (IRE), Jockey: Darragh O'Keeffe, Form: 4-3056, Age: 9, Weight: 11-3. A consistent performer in Grade One races, but his only success over fences came in a smaller contest earlier in the season.6. Quai de Bourbon – Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE), Jockey: Brian Hayes, Form: 11PUP, Age: 8, Weight: 11-3. His name appears in a sequence of letters, making it challenging to predict his performance, though a Kerry National win hints at potential.

Charles Martin April 11, 2026

Table of Contents

Grand National 2026: A Pinstickers’ Preview of the Contenders

The 2026 Grand National, set for Saturday, April 11 at Aintree, will feature 34 horses competing for the coveted title. While some notable entries have been withdrawn, including Nick Rockett (racecard number 2), Spillane’s Tower (number 7), and Pied Piper (number 35), the field still boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. Below, key details about the participants and expert insights from BBC Radio 5 Live’s analysts are outlined.

Essential Race Information

The event, traditionally held at 16:00 BST, will be broadcast live with commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds. The BBC Sport website and app will provide real-time updates on all races. Odds are subject to change, and form analysis is based on recent performances, with ratings indicating confidence levels.

Runners and Their Profiles

1. Panic Attack – Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE), Jockey: Paul Townend, Form: 82-925, Age: 10, Weight: 11-12. Aintree specialist aiming to end a 75-year gap in Grand National victories after a strong 2024 campaign.
2. Grangeclare West – Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE), Jockey: Patrick Mullins, Form: 5-8481, Age: 10, Weight: 11-10. A horse that finished third last year, narrowly missing the win, but shows promise for improvement.
3. Jagwar – Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE), Jockey: Jack Kennedy, Form: 3-P321, Age: 10, Weight: 11-10. Returned from a long break with a strong showing, narrowly trailing Grangeclare West in a key trial.
4. Jordans – Trainer: Rebecca Curtis, Jockey: Sean Bowen, Form: 1P11P, Age: 9, Weight: 11-10. A rising star with recent victories in Welsh and English races, though his potential on softer ground remains to be tested.
5. I Am Maximus – Trainer: Henry de Bromhead (IRE), Jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe, Form: 4-3056, Age: 9, Weight: 11-3. A consistent performer in Grade One races, but his only success over fences came in a smaller contest earlier in the season.
6. Quai de Bourbon – Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE), Jockey: Brian Hayes, Form: 11PUP, Age: 8, Weight: 11-3. His name appears in a sequence of letters, making it challenging to predict his performance, though a Kerry National win hints at potential.

Analyst Insights

“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.”

“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.”

Notable Contenders

Among the 34 entries, several stand out due to their recent form and trainer histories. For example, a horse previously known for a strong showing in the Bobbyjo Chase could challenge for the title. Meanwhile, others like the 2025-26 season standout have shown rapid development, suggesting they may thrive on softer ground.