Grand National runners, favourites and odds for 2026: Key horses to note
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A maximum field of 34 horses will eventually line up at Aintree for the Grand National on Saturday, April 11.
Visit mchezo.co.za for more information.
The current list of entries stands at 55 after being reduced from the initial list of 78. Names will be scratched again on Monday, April 6, before final declarations on Wednesday, April 8, three days before the race itself.
Previously, the final field was declared 48 hours before the race. As this change from 48 to 72 hours increases the likelihood of non-runners, the number of reserve runners is increasing from four to six. Reserves can be brought into the race up until 1pm the day before it is run.
Trainer Willie Mullins dominates the current line-up with 10 horses entered, including 2024 winner I Am Maximus, who is top weight at 11st 12lb.
JP McManus-owned Iroko, fourth in the 2025 Grand National, is also heavily fancied and will be carrying 10lb fewer than last year’s winner Nick Rockett.
The current entries are listed below in bet365 best-odds order. These will be whittled down further during the jump-racing season.
Grand National 2026: Full list of entries
2.I Am Maximus
The winner in 2024 and a gallant second under a big weight last year – Mullins put defeat down to not having had three starts – which makes him a bit of an Aintree legend in my book. Going to be top weight this time after a good second to Affordale Fury in the Savills Chase at Christmas, though didn't run to quite that level in the Irish Gold Cup. Should be there or thereabouts again and in the money, but weight stops trains and that might be the difference between first and second again.
Expert rating11st 12lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11st 12lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply7.Grangeclare West
Named after a townland in County Kildare. Gallant and a close third in last year's race. Stayed on well for fourth in the Savills Chase. Disappointing in the Irish Gold Cup, but back on song winning the Bobbyjo – a race won by I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett in the last two years – cosily for a five-star trial. Has a habit of fluffing the last, which he did in last year's National, the Savills and was lucky to get away with it at Fairyhouse. Otherwise an excellent chance.
Expert rating11st 10lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11st 10lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply12.Jagwar
From the same stable and owner as Iroko. Good sort. Likes Cheltenham and won the Plate there last March, but was out-battled by Donnacha in the mud on Trials day. Ran a blinder to finish second to Johnnywho in the Ultima on his first start over three miles (and one furlong), though. Arguably some inaccurate jumping cost him the Ultima, so if he can get that sorted he probably goes in better form than his stable companion.
Expert rating10st 10lbTrainerOliver Greenall & Josh GuerrieroJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 10lbTrainerOliver Greenall & Josh GuerrieroJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply3.Haiti Couleurs
Won last season's National Hunt Chase and then the Irish National, often a pointer to Aintree. A facile winner of the Welsh National under a big weight just after Christmas, so we know he can carry it. It's been a while since the one and only Welsh-trained winner – the Pembrokeshire-trained Kirkland in 1905 – but Haiti looks made for it. Earth Summit was the last horse to win three proper Nationals (Aintree, Scottish and Welsh), and Haiti Couleurs could also get three out of the four, but he ran flat as a pancake in the Gold Cup which is a worry, although he also did that in the Betfair before winning the Welsh National. Surprisingly well-backed for the National since.
Expert rating11st 10lbTrainerRebecca CurtisJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11st 10lbTrainerRebecca CurtisJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply1.Iroko
At one point the ante-post favourite for the race after staying on well to finish fourth in the National last year, jumping the first in last place and having to make up a lot of ground late on, giving the impression he raced a bit far out of his ground. That may just have been inexperience. Wind operation since and his airways are obviously clear after chasing home The Jukebox Man at Haydock, and then winning at Ascot over two-and-a-half. Disappointing effort when finishing mid-field in the Ultima, unless the eye was on a bigger prize. Stronger, a year older and should be there or thereabouts again. Soft ground would be even better.
Expert rating11st 1lbTrainerOliver Greenall & Josh GuerrieroJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11st 1lbTrainerOliver Greenall & Josh GuerrieroJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply28.Johnnywho
Appeared to be a frustrating ride, but put that all behind him when winning the Ultima at Cheltenham, beating Jagwar. That was his first start after a wind operation and they often say it is second time out when that is most effective. Had a spin round Aintree in the Grand Sefton in the autumn over a shorter trip, looking short of his best. And despite finishing fifth, the Irish National last spring probably raised more question marks about his extreme stamina than it answered, though he is bred to get it. A latish addition to the shortlist.
Expert rating10st 4lbTrainerJonjo & AJ O'NeillJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 4lbTrainerJonjo & AJ O'NeillJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply4.Oscars Brother
Interesting, rapidly improving eight-year-old novice for the two-horse stable of Connor King, 29, and ridden by his brother, Daniel. Victory would not be so much David versus Goliath but more along the lines of 'plankton kills whale'. It would also make King the youngest-ever winning trainer. The McManus team saw enough before he won the Ten Up at Navan to step in and buy him and it's now looking a shrewd purchase. Very solid fourth in the Brown Advisory without ever quite looking like winning.
Expert rating10st 13lbTrainerConnor KingJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 13lbTrainerConnor KingJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply59.Gerri Colombe
Has won more than half the races he has run in and peaked in the spring two years ago when runner-up to Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup, and beat Ahoy Senor in the Aintree Bowl. Only ran once last season and clearly had issues. He probably takes a bit of getting fit. Pulled up in his first start this season before finishing third in the Galmoy Hurdle, and took another big step forward when a good second to Grangeclare West in the Bobbyjo, before beating Nick Rockett at Down Royal which will not have done his confidence too much harm. Likes soft and heavy ground, once a class act, definitely one for the shortlist.
Expert rating11st 10lbTrainerGordon ElliottJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11st 10lbTrainerGordon ElliottJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply8.Monty’s Star
Has only won one of his 11 starts over fences and that was a beginners' chase in 2023, but he's consistently in the money or thereabouts in Grade Ones, including fourth in last year's Gold Cup. Coming to the boil, running much better than the end result suggested behind Fact To File in the Irish Gold Cup and challenging for the lead at the second last.
Expert rating11st 3lbTrainerHenry de BromheadJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11st 3lbTrainerHenry de BromheadJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply9.Nick Rockett
Last year's winner who landed the Thyestes and Bobbyjo on the way there. Setbacks delayed his reappearance until Down Royal on March 17 when third to Gerri Colombe, giving the winner 7lb for a six-length (three-quarter-length) defeat. Needed the race but not given too hard a time of it. In old Nationals you could always put a line through the previous year's winner, but I'm not sure that's such a good system now. However, the handicapper does his best to ensure horses don't win two Nationals so he's been clobbered with weight. Connections said that having just two starts instead of three probably cost I Am Maximus a second win last year so they, at least, will regard him as undercooked.
Expert rating11st 11lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11st 11lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply5.Panic Attack
Only 13 mares have won the National, the last being Nickel Coin in 1951. Revelation of the season really. In sensational form winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup and then, overcoming fears about her stamina, the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. Third in the Mares' Chase at Cheltenham over two-and-a-half which now looks too short for her. If Dan Skelton can keep her at that level she would have an outstanding chance. Travels, jumps and has a touch of class, with a sky high level of confidence, and even the handicapper is wondering if he's under-cooked her weight.
Expert rating10st 5lbTrainerDan SkeltonJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 5lbTrainerDan SkeltonJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply6.Captain Cody
Last year's Scottish National winner who unseated behind Haiti Couleurs in the National Hunt Chase. Fell early in the Thyestes when sent off favourite on his penultimate start, suggesting jumping a slight issue. Respectable fifth in the Bobbyjo on the wrong ground. Modern Aintree takes so little jumping these days that I do not think any horses should be downgraded for not being a great leaper. Spring ground might turn him round.
Expert rating10st 10lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 10lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply42.Final Orders
I don't think any horse in this year's race will have run more often starting off on the Flat for Simon Crisford, and was once ridden on the all-weather at Newcastle by Grand National-winning jockey Graham Lee. His latest incarnation is as a cross-country horse and won at Cheltenham in December and again at the Festival, turning the tables on Favori de Champdou on his 70th start. Has a very good strike-rate on good ground, will be well in and looks a good each-way shot.
Expert rating10st 5lbTrainerGavin CromwellJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 5lbTrainerGavin CromwellJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply44.Gorgeous Tom
Good ground operative which is why we have not seen much of him since he finished a creditable fourth to Panic Attack in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, often a good National trial. Stays, but also has pace to win over two-and-a-half. Just as a lot of Nicholases cashed in on Nick Rockett last year, if you're called Thomas look no further for your fiver. He might still be a bit ahead of the handicapper and is improving.
Expert rating10st 9lbTrainerHenry de BromheadJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 9lbTrainerHenry de BromheadJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply33.Stellar Story
One win from eight starts over fences. Best efforts include finishing second to Lecky Watson in last year's Brown Advisory and third to Grey Dawning in the Betfair Chase. Prominent for a long way in the Savills Chase before fading behind Affordale Fury. Solid effort in the Bobbyjo. Guaranteed a run, but probably handicapped up to his best. Soft ground would be a big help.
Expert rating10st 11lbTrainerGordon ElliottJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 11lbTrainerGordon ElliottJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply13.Jordans
Chased home Caldwell Potter in a Grade One at Aintree last spring. Went hurdling for his first two starts of the season to protect his handicap rating. Pulled up in the mud, which is excusable, in the Thyestes after some late headway. Joseph Patrick O'Brien is already one of the most successful dual-purpose trainers, with two Melbourne Cups to his name, a Breeders' Cup victory, a King George and an Irish Derby. A National would only enhance that reputation. Fits the profile the race is trending towards and O'Brien seemed more excited about this one than Banbridge with a big weight.
Expert rating10st 8lbTrainerJoseph Patrick O'BrienJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 8lbTrainerJoseph Patrick O'BrienJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply11.Favori De Champdou
Refound his mojo by going cross-country, the Tiger Roll route. Fell first time, but it sparked him up enough to win a big handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas and follow up with facile cross-country success back at Cheltenham in January. He then followed that with a good second to Final Orders after giving him nearly a stone. We haven't had an 11-year-old winner since we had three in a row between 2012/13/14 with Neptune Collonges, Auroras Encore and Pineau de Re.
Expert rating11st 1lbTrainerGordon ElliottJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11st 1lbTrainerGordon ElliottJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply15.Now Is The Hour
Still bang there when falling two out in the National Hunt Chase last year. Finally won a chase, after some good efforts in defeat, when storming home late on heavy ground to win the Thyestes Chase when his yard was out of form. Was not winning anything going to the last but nailed Better Times Ahead on the line. Very respectable fifth in the Brown Advisory recently. Should be doing his best work from the second last. Wants a good bit of cut and probably wouldn't run if it was good like last year.
Expert rating10st 7lbTrainerGavin CromwellJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 7lbTrainerGavin CromwellJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply31.Quai de Bourbon
Sent off 11-2 favourite for the Irish National – as much as anything because he was Paul Townend's chosen one – despite having unseated in the Brown Advisory and been brought down by his stablemate in the Mildmay at Aintree. Didn't jump overly well but finished third, nine-and-three-quarter lengths behind Haiti Couleurs. Whether that left a mark is unclear, as he was pulled up in his first two starts this season. Put in a better effort when third in a Listed handicap at Leopardstown at the start of March.
Expert rating10st 9lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 9lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply17.Spillane’s Tower
From the yard of Monty's Pass, the 2003 winner. Disappointing favourite for the 2024 King George, but put himself in the frame as an each-way shot for the Gold Cup when winning the Cotswold Chase on Cheltenham Trials Day. Don't think there will be too many stamina issues, even though he has been campaigned mainly at two-and-a-half miles. Sometimes not overly fluent over his fences and possibly lacks a bit of big-handicap experience for a 34-runner chase.
Expert rating11st 8lbTrainerJames Joseph ManganJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11st 8lbTrainerJames Joseph ManganJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply34.Three Card Brag
Finished 11th behind Nick Rockett in last year's National, a long way behind. Was up in the van for much of the way and doing too much, before running out of puff three out. Ran well in second behind Panic Attack in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, but disappointed in the Bobbyjo and blew hard, suggesting he needed the run after a three-month break. Will have a bit more weight than a year ago, but if he settles this time, he is not out of it.
Expert rating11stTrainerGordon ElliottJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11stTrainerGordon ElliottJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply38.Answer To Kayf
The wetter the better, this one does not mind any amount of mud. Fourth behind Now Is The Hour in the Thyestes Chase last start and a so-so fourth in the Bobbyjo. Good fourth in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham a couple of years ago, very much weather dependent and any sightings of Noah on Merseyside in early April is considered helpful.
Expert rating10st 8lbTrainerTerence O'BrienJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 8lbTrainerTerence O'BrienJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply18.Banbridge
Good ground specialist, one wonders if they water the track too much for a horse like him to win a National these days. Winner and second in the last two King Georges at Kempton, and third in the Ryanair on his last start. Class act on his day, and Joseph Patrick O'Brien has to be the best dual-purpose trainer anywhere these days.
Expert rating11st 11lbTrainerJoseph Patrick O'BrienJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11st 11lbTrainerJoseph Patrick O'BrienJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply22.Firefox
Has spent most of his career knocking around over two-and-a-half miles. Beaten by Iroko at Ascot before Christmas but stepped up to three miles with a good effort behind Fact To File in the Irish Gold Cup. Appeared to be ridden to pick up the pieces there and never got into the Gold Cup finishing, well beaten by Gaelic Warrior. A job to know whether he truly gets the trip or not; I suspect he doesn't.
Expert rating11st 4lbTrainerGordon ElliottJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11st 4lbTrainerGordon ElliottJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply29.Lecky Watson
Winner of last year's Brown Advisory at 20/1 when the stable's red-hot favourite, Ballyburn, bombed out. Subsequently fell at the fifth in an equivalent race at Punchestown and not much doing this season. He was close to Affordale Fury in the Savills Chase but pulled up in the Irish Gold Cup and has 63 lengths to find on Grangeclare West on Bobbyjo form. Probably wants better ground than that but back to a handicap might help him regain form. Although fair to say it has gone AWOL this season.
Expert rating11st 2lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11st 2lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply30.Perceval Legallois
With a great record in big-race handicaps, Percy the Gaul was sent off joint-third favourite last year. He was going well before coming down after about a mile at Valentine's. Nothing like that form this time.
Expert rating10st 9lbTrainerGavin CromwellJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 9lbTrainerGavin CromwellJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply32.Spanish Harlem
Owned by the race sponsor, who celebrates 10 years in that role this year. A bone-headed jumper prone to the odd clanger. Carried out in the Scottish National but ran a good fourth in last year's bet365 Gold Cup while still a maiden over fences. Has won a couple since and was running the race of his life for 7lb-claimer Sean Cleary-Farrell, who was getting a great tune out of him, when he made a mistake and unseated with the Thyestes at his mercy. The effect of that might have caught up with him in the Bobbyjo, when he pulled up. You can blunder your way round Aintree these days but he would want to get into a good rhythm there if he is to win it for Randox.
Expert rating11st 3lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11st 3lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply26.High Class Hero
Once won five on the bounce when going from bumpers to novice hurdles. Won his beginners' chase in February 2025. Third when sent off as favourite (mainly because he was the choice of Paul Townend) behind Resplendent Grey in the bet365 Gold Cup. Is probably happiest on good ground. Not much doing this season so far but that's not to say he won't improve for some spring ground and a trip. Patrick Mullins reckons he's interesting and "high" on the list.
Expert rating10st 11lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 11lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply46.Imperial Saint
Owned by a syndicate put together by former Champion jockey Richard Johnson who rode more winners than anyone other than AP McCoy, but also holds the record for most National rides without a win; maybe as an owner? Mainly campaigned over two-and-a-half but ran the race of his life to win the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock by a narrow margin from Richmond Lake. Nearly brought down in the Ultima at 13th, and ran on late. Didn't look like he was stopping there so trip should be OK, and he pretty much goes on any ground.
Expert rating10st 2lbTrainerPhilip Hobbs & Johnson WhiteJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 2lbTrainerPhilip Hobbs & Johnson WhiteJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply35.Twig
Finished 10th in last year's National, but never got into the race at all when possibly ridden a bit too cold. It was, nevertheless, a good experience for him because he went back and won the Becher Chase over the fences, beating Mr Vango by a short-head getting a stone. A veteran these days but has won nearly half of his 13 chases, which is a lot more than can be said for some of his rivals, and expect more of a show under the owner's son, Beau, this time round. Had a nice warm-up for this over hurdles.
Expert rating10st 4lbTrainerBen PaulingJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 4lbTrainerBen PaulingJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply40.Champ Kiely
Won a Grade One novice chase over three miles at Punchestown last spring, but since finishing a close second over two miles on his first start this season not much has gone right for him. Clipped heels and came down after fourth in the Savills Chase, which may have left its mark on him at Tramore, and never a factor in the Irish Gold Cup. At the weights, Patrick Mullins is sweet on him.
Expert rating11st 1lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11st 1lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply50.Mr Vango
Defo one for the shortlist if soft. Looks made for a soft/heavy-ground National, although he proved when second to Twig in the Becher Chase and when winning the Midlands National last year that he is effective at a trip on good to soft. Bit screwed around by the weather this winter, waiting for the rain and then having to put up with abandonments. Returned home after pulling up at Sandown with a foot abscess so no mystery there, but did not finish the Eider Chase either. Coming in on the back of two pulled-ups is not ideal for his confidence. On the positive side, getting in the region of a stone from I Am Maximus he will think he is loose.
Expert rating10st 12lbTrainerSara BradstockJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 12lbTrainerSara BradstockJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply53.Ain’t That A Shame
Gave ex-amateur jockey David Maxwell the ride of his life when sixth in 2024, having completed a year before as a novice with Rachael Blackmore. Subsequently sold in a dispersal sale and moved to Tom Ellis from Henry de Bromhead. Fell at the last at Kelso when needing to jump round to qualify.
Expert rating10st 2lbTrainerTom EllisJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 2lbTrainerTom EllisJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply37.Amirite
A good-ground operator whose last win was at Kilbeggan in the summer. Tried his hand at cross-country in December but well beaten after losing a shoe. Stays and jumps on the whole but Henry de Bromhead, who famously won it with Minella Times, has had better shots than this fella. Am I right?
Expert rating10st 2lbTrainerHenry de BromheadJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 2lbTrainerHenry de BromheadJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply39.Anyway
A German nobleman has owned the winner of the National but few if any German-bred horses have ever run in it. Prince Franz Hatzfeldt had 11 runners between 1904 and 1910, winning it in 1906 with Ascetic's Silver. Anyway, Anyway's best form was when runner-up to Caldwell Potter in the novice handicap at Cheltenham last year at odds of 125/1. Almost certain to miss the cut on current rating.
Expert rating9st 11lbTrainerKenneth BuddsJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight9st 11lbTrainerKenneth BuddsJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply54.Beauport
A good stayer who probably did a bit too much in last year's race; too close to the pace rather than biding his time. Racing like that he didn't get him home but he is a Midlands National winner. Pulled up in the Long Walk Hurdle, had wind surgery and ran OK without setting the world on fire in the Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock mid-Feb. Second time out after wind op is usually the time to see what difference it makes. Owner was the youngest when his Corbiere won back in the day. Now not so young.
Expert rating10st 11lbTrainerNigel & Willy Twiston-DaviesJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 11lbTrainerNigel & Willy Twiston-DaviesJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply55.Blaze The Way
Comfortable winner of a three-mile chase at Cheltenham in December when ridden by the trainer's son, Danny. Might have found the ground a tad heavy on his next run at Naas, then finished seventh in the Ultima. No mother-son combination has ever won the National before, although Jenny and Mark Pitman came desperately close in 1991 with Garrison Savannah.
Expert rating10st 4lbTrainerMargaret MullinsJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 4lbTrainerMargaret MullinsJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply57.Buddy One
Last win for this horse, which flits between Flat, fences and hurdles, came on the Flat at Balinrobe over a mile and five in July. Not much to shout about since, although did not run too badly in the Red Mills at Gowran mid-Feb over an insufficient trip. I'd say his best effort was finishing fifth to Bob Olinger in the Stayers Hurdle last March. If he is long on stamina he may be a bit short on class for a National.
Expert rating9st 12lbTrainerPaul John GilliganJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight9st 12lbTrainerPaul John GilliganJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply21.Deep Cave
Welsh-trained horse who originally started out in Ireland, before moving to France. Only needs Scotland to complete his passport now. On a roll winning at Aintree last spring and then at Bangor and Ascot this season, before finishing fifth in the Great Yorkshire Chase. Disappointed when losing a shoe at Kempton last time. Has won on heavy but probably best on decent ground.
Expert rating9st 13lbTrainerChristian WilliamsJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight9st 13lbTrainerChristian WilliamsJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply58.French Dynamite
Changed hands in the summer, joining Eric McNamara – a trainer who has a reputation of doing well with horses which had seemed past their sell-by date at bigger yards – from Mouse Morris. Bought for €40,000, he led home a 1-2 for the trainer in the Munster National. Has done a bit of everything, including cross-country, but realistically probably not going to be adding Aintree to Munster.
Expert rating10st 10lbTrainerEric McNamaraJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 10lbTrainerEric McNamaraJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply45.Hyland
Grey chaser who never got into last year's National, although that experience should stand him in good stead. Dropping down the handicap, but I feel he is a better horse this year. Ran well for a long way in the Ultima in sixth, behind Johnnywho, only tiring late on in what was his first start for a while. Good jumper who prefers decent ground. If he gets in, he has a small chance.
Expert rating10st 1lbTrainerNicky HendersonJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 1lbTrainerNicky HendersonJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply47.L’Homme Presse
A former class act, even if his last win is disappearing in the rear-view mirror. Ran a good second to Spillane's Tower in the Cotswold Chase, giving weight, but did not jump with any fluency behind Haiti Couleurs in the Denman at Newbury. Well beaten in fifth in the Gold Cup but did stay on having been detached from the main field. A couple of years ago he might have been sent off as favourite for a race like this, but probably not now, though if it flicked his switch he still has the ability.
Expert rating11st 8lbTrainerVenetia WilliamsJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight11st 8lbTrainerVenetia WilliamsJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply48.Marble Sands
Only beaten by a neck over two miles on the Flat at Goodwood in October. Answered questions about stamina for three miles or so when successful over 3m 3½f at Cheltenham in November and followed up with a second-place finish in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby. Well beaten in 12th at Topham last April, he faces a tough task.
Expert rating10st 5lbTrainerDavid Killahena & Grame McPhersonJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 5lbTrainerDavid Killahena & Grame McPhersonJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply49.Monbeg Genius
Best effort was finishing third behind Corach Rambler in the 2023 Ultima Chase, which is a while ago now, but ran a good race to finish third in the Kim Muir recently. Has run well in two Welsh Nationals (fourth and fifth), so stamina shouldn't be the problem, but has pulled up on both starts over National fences and, ironically, nearly tripped up over the water last year. Biggest claim to fame may be that he gave Nick Scholfield, now a very promising trainer, his last ride in public.
Expert rating9st 13lbTrainerJonjo & AJ O'NeillJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight9st 13lbTrainerJonjo & AJ O'NeillJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply67.Pied Piper
Bred by the late Queen who raced him on the Flat with John Gosden, winning a two-year-old maiden at Newmarket. Also ran him at Royal Ascot as a three-year-old. Has quite a few miles on the clock for an eight-year-old but the only time he was out of the first three at Cheltenham was in a recent cross-country when he fell at the water while going easily. Wasn't running his worst race when falling three out in the Thyestes either. Coming into this race on the back of two falls is not ideal, but there are worse jumpers than him in the race and he is better than form suggests.
Expert rating10st 3lbTrainerGordon ElliottJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 3lbTrainerGordon ElliottJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply74.Soul Icon
Has raced mainly over shorter trips, rather than three miles, but appeared to get it at Kempton when a close fourth to The Doyen Chief and fifth in the Ladbroke Trophy. Might have had a chance in an old-fashioned National, but will struggle against the Grade One-winners attracted to a modern National.
Expert rating10st llbTrainerKeiran BurkeJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st llbTrainerKeiran BurkeJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply69.The Real Whacker
Winner of the Brown Advisory in 2023 and has probably been hard to place ever since, but dropping down the handicap now. Has had to compete in Grade Ones and has found it tough. Last win came over Bravemansgame in the Charlie Hall, but he is still capable of throwing in a good effort. Fifth in last year's Gold Cup. Had a couple of spins over hurdles this season to mix it up. Colourful owner whose stable also includes nightclubs in Galway.
Expert rating10st 9lbTrainerPatrick NevilleJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 9lbTrainerPatrick NevilleJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply71.Top of The Bill
Probably best on good-to-soft ground. A good-staying handicap chaser who wins his fair share of races but may not quite have the class to win a modern National. Cumulative jumping mistakes cost him the Haydock Grand National trial, so should stay. Ridden in all three starts this season by Toby McCain-Mitchell; Ginger McCain of Red Rum fame's grandson. Would be nice for him to have a ride but he might have to wait to add the next generation to the race's roll of honour.
Expert rating10st 5lbTrainerNigel & Willy Twiston-DaviesJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 5lbTrainerNigel & Willy Twiston-DaviesJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply52.Yeah Man
Midfield when unseated in the Irish National last season. A good second in the Troytown in the autumn, but pulled up in the Thyestes Chase in the mud. Won Haydock's National Trial two years ago and qualified for this year's Pertemps Hurdle Final where he finished down the field. Probably needed to show a bit more before Aintree.
Expert rating10st 1lbTrainerGavin CromwellJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 1lbTrainerGavin CromwellJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply60.Harry Des Ongrais
Pulled up behind Haiti Couleurs in the 2025 Irish National after making a couple of mistakes, which you could forgive him for being a novice. Not done anything this season to make him an obvious National candidate, though his trainer knows what's required. One for the Harolds.
Expert rating10st 1lbTrainerHenry de BromheadJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight10st 1lbTrainerHenry de BromheadJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply68.Shanbally Kid
A bit in and out. Won a handicap chase over just short of four miles at Punchestown by a big margin last May. He covered extra ground going wide because he doesn't like to be among other horses, which could be a problem in a 33-runner National. He went up a lot in the handicap for that but remains a long way off the mark required to get in the National. Pulled up in the Thyestes (which is proving to be the most oft-repeated phrase in this runners guide) and fourth in the Leinster National, having jumped less than fluently.
Expert rating9st 9lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight9st 9lbTrainerWP MullinsJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply70.The Short Go
Won his first chase, but nowt since. Ran a reasonable race in a handicap in December, and so so in the Ultima, but not rated high enough to get in and pulled up behind Shanbally Kid at Punchestown when tried over nearly four miles. Looked like he was ridden to get the trip, so stamina doubts.
Expert rating9st 10lbTrainerHenry de BromheadJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight9st 10lbTrainerHenry de BromheadJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply72.Will Do
On the slow side and needs a trip. Best effort was to finish third to Haiti Couleurs in last year's National Hunt Chase, but only 10th behind him in the Irish National, and beaten 58 lengths at this year's Cheltenham Festival. Second to Better Times Ahead in the autumn, but struggling since. Probably has his own ideas about the game and almost certain not to make the cut.
Expert rating9st 9lbTrainerGordon ElliottJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight9st 9lbTrainerGordon ElliottJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply75.In d’Or
One of the more expensive purchases at the David Maxwell Dispersal Sale last year at £220,000. Won a couple of nice chases for Venetia Williams last season before finishing sixth to Haiti Couleurs in the National Hunt Chase. Yet to hit the target this season and he would be more than struggling to get in the race.
Expert rating9st 7lbTrainerFergal O'BrienJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight9st 7lbTrainerFergal O'BrienJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs apply76.Weveallbeencaught
One win from 17 starts over fences, which is disappointing given chasing looked his forte when he was hurdling. Started with the Twiston-Davieses, went to Christian Williams, back to Nigel and Willy and now back in Ireland where he was a pointer. Second in the Munster National was a good effort in October, but might struggle to make the cut.
Expert rating9st 9lbTrainerEric McNamaraJockeyTBCExpert ratingWeight9st 9lbTrainerEric McNamaraJockeyTBCClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyClaim a free bet18+ only, T&Cs applyTry full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.