Grand National pinstickers’ guide to runners

Grand National Pinstickers’ Guide to Runners

2026 Race at Aintree, 11 April

The 2026 Grand National, set for Saturday at Aintree, features 34 competitors. Key factors to consider include their performance, jockeys, and trainers. However, three entries—number two (Nick Rockett), number seven (Spillane’s Tower), and number 35 (Pied Piper)—have been withdrawn from the race.

Key Contenders

For those seeking to anticipate the winner, here’s a breakdown of notable runners:

• 1. Panic Attack – Trained by Willie Mullins, ridden by Paul Townend. Form: 82-925 (2024 winner, 2025 second to Nick Rockett on quicker ground). Age: 10. Weight: 11-12. Aintree specialist with a strong track record.
• 2. Grangeclare West – Trained by Willie Mullins, ridden by Patrick Mullins. Form: 5-8481 (2025 third, narrowly beaten by Fact To File). Age: 10. Weight: 11-10. Consistent performer but needs to prove stamina.
• 3. I Am Maximus – Trained by Willie Mullins, ridden by Brian Hayes. Form: 11PUP (2024 victor, 2025 second to stablemate). Age: 8. Weight: 11-3. Strong contender with potential for improvement.
• 4. Quai de Bourbon – Best outsider for the 2026 race. Trained by Gordon Elliott, ridden by Keith Donoghue. Form: 21246 (2025 runner-up in Bobbyjo Chase). Age: 8. Weight: 11-4. Rapid development could make him a dark horse.
• 5. Spanish Harlem – Trained by Rebecca Curtis, ridden by Sean Bowen. Form: 1P11P (2025 wins in Welsh and Denman Chases). Age: 9. Weight: 11-10. A rising star with high hopes on softer ground.

Some horses are positioned as top contenders, while others may benefit from specific conditions. For instance,

“A soft-ground National gives him real hope—dry conditions, not so much.”

noted Gina on Spanish Harlem, highlighting how track conditions can influence outcomes.

Trainers and jockeys play critical roles in shaping performance. John Hunt emphasized

“the drying ground was ultimately against him there, and that’s the rub.”

regarding a horse whose potential was hindered by terrain. Meanwhile, Gina praised

“he had moved to the lead ominously at the second last, and, perhaps with more patient tactics, we can expect even more?”

as a sign of tactical adaptability.

With odds fluctuating and form codes (F – Fell, P – Pulled up, U – Unseated rider, S – Slipped up) providing insight, fans and bettors are advised to keep an eye on how horses perform under pressure. The racecard highlights 10-year-olds like Grangeclare West and I Am Maximus, who may face challenges against younger competitors. However, the combination of experience and recent form could tilt the balance in their favor.

Live commentary and analysis will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, alongside real-time updates on the BBC Sport platform. The final selection of runners and their readiness for the 35th test of the day will be key to predicting the 2026 Grand National victor.