Leading Contenders and Weight Assignments for the 2026 Randox Grand National
The 2026 Randox Grand National at Aintree, scheduled for April 11, is shaping up to be an electrifying event. I Am Maximus tops the weights this year, carrying 11st 12lb. The ten-year-old, trained by Willie Mullins, enters after a runner-up finish last season and a triumphant victory in the 2024 renewal of this legendary steeplechase.
Willie Mullins’ Impressive Roster of Challengers
Mullins fields several formidable runners beyond I Am maximus. Among them is Grangeclare West, who finished third last year and is assigned 11st 10lb. Other notable entries include Impaire Et Passe (11st 5lb), Spanish Harlem (11st 3lb), and Lecky Watson (11st 2lb). Although stablemate Nick Rockett has faced setbacks preventing his participation so far this season, he remains a significant contender with an assigned weight of 11st 11lb.
I Am Maximus: A Season Marked by Steady Excellence
This campaign has seen I Am Maximus maintain consistent form. His standout performance came with a second-place finish in the Savills Chase over Christmas-arguably his best run yet. Simultaneously occurring, Nick Rockett’s progress has been slowed by minor issues delaying his return to peak condition.
The Favourite Spotlight: Iroko’s Chances and Tactical Plans
Iroko, under trainers Oliver greenall and Josh Guerriero, arrives as the betting favourite carrying a handicap weight of 11st 1lb. At seven years old during last year’s race, he finished fourth despite being heavily backed as favourite.
“We had hoped for a lighter handicap but are satisfied with what we received,” Guerriero commented. “it’s frustrating that since beating Firefox at Ascot in December we’ve only gained two pounds-it feels like some credit was unfairly taken away.”
“At home he looks sharper than his official rating suggests; carrying an appealing weight guarantees him entry into Aintree,” added Guerriero. “After wind surgery earlier this season, he appears more pleasant and straighter on track.”
Navigating Pre-race Choices: Kelso or Cheltenham?
The team remains undecided whether to run Iroko at Kelso or Cheltenham before Aintree but have ruled out Kempton’s Ladbrokes Trophy due to owner JP McManus’s preferences. “Kelso worked well last year,” said Guerriero; “the four-and-a-half-week gap between kelso’s Ultima Handicap Chase and Aintree suits him perfectly.”
Mullins’ Potential Outsider: Jagwar’s Prospects Examined
Mullins may also enter Jagwar if he secures a top-four finish in any qualifying race longer than two miles seven-and-a-half furlongs prior to April. With an assigned handicap just below eleven stone (10st10lb), Jagwar remains conditional on upcoming performances.
“Jagwar could contest Cheltenham’s Ultima Handicap Chase which will influence our decision about running him at Aintree,” explained Guerriero. “He showed promise last season but hasn’t quite reached peak form yet after rapid progress slowed down.”
A Field Elevated by Elite Talent – expert Insights from officials
BHA handicapper Martin Greenwood emphasizes how recent editions have been dominated by high-caliber horses: “The top three finishers all carried ratings exceeding160 last year.” He singled out I am Maximus:
“I Am Maximus carries just one pound more than when winning in ’24 at a rating of168-if victorious again it would rank among highest marks ever recorded for modern winners.”
“Neptune Collonges won off rating168 back in2012 while Suny Bay was runner-up off170 nearly thirty years ago.”
A Modern-Day Benchmark Among Racing Legends
“Finishing second off167 last season places I Am Maximus alongside iconic efforts such as Tiger Roll’s second triumph in2019,” Greenwood concluded.
Additions Near Top Weights Worth Monitoring Â
- BANBRIDGE: King George winner burdened with 11st 11lbs;
- GERRI COLOMBE:, rated at 11st 10lbs;
- GRAY DAWNING & HAITI COULEURS:, both allotted weights near that mark-highlighting their competitive edge heading into April’s challenge.
A Preview of One of Horse Racing’s Most Grueling Tests
The Randox Grand National continues its legacy as one of global racing’s most demanding handicaps-a true test where endurance meets tactical acumen amid often unpredictable early spring weather around liverpool.
With seasoned contenders shouldering heavy weights yet demonstrating resilience throughout recent campaigns alongside emerging talents like Jagwar potentially stepping up-the competition promises fierce battles drawing worldwide attention once again.
As stables across Britain prepare intensively ahead of April weekend festivities expect strategic decisions regarding pre-race runs crucially shaping final line-ups readying themselves against history-making odds.
The mix between established champions such as I Am Maximus aiming to cement their legacies alongside ambitious favourites like iroko ensures spectators will witness thrilling drama unfold over fences spanning more than four miles.
