The world’s biggest steeplechase is back!
The Weekend Winners team is back with a preview of the 2026 Randox Grand National. Each will nominate their top three showpieces at Aintree.
The race will attract up to 34 runners, with 2024 winner I Am Maximus leading the betting from Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
Coral Gold Cup winner Panic Attack also stands out on the market, along with last year’s third-place finisher Grange Clare West and JP McManus’s Jagwar, Johnny Who and Iroko.
Declan Ricks…
“I’m backing an old friend to win this year’s Grand National with Imperial Saint. He has really good course form on the Mild May course rather than over the National fence. He really came to life in a competitive handicap at this event last year. He seems to be crying out for a marathon trip and is overpriced.”
“Johnny Foo, who won Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival, has a great track record with winners of this race, including Coach Rambler landing this race a few years ago, so I’d like to have him on my side. He really sharpened up that day at his first cheekpiece and ran a cracker over the fences at Grand Sefton, still weighing 6lbs from his Cheltenham win.”
Jonny Who returns to action against Aintree on Saturday
“To fill that slot, I’m going to side with Iroko, who did well in this race last year. He’s run really well this year, winning at Ascot, but had a disappointing result in the Altima at Cheltenham. He’s put on weight from last year, but the wind handling helped him a lot so I think he can have a strong run there.”
Declan’s 1-2-3
first imperial saint
2nd place Johnny Who
3rd place Iroko
Kate Tracy…
“I have eight trends that will help me find a National winner and I hope these horses meet the right profile. I’m really confident in the potential of Johnny Who, who fits the trend perfectly and ticks a lot of boxes.
“Final Orders is my second choice. He’s over two years old but has the perfect rating and perfect weight and was a winner in the last race. He’s seen winning at Cheltenham cross country and will stand out even when he’s not leading. I really like his chances in this year’s race.”
“Completing my third pick is Spanish Harlem, who checks fewer boxes than the horses above but could beat the odds at a high price. He caught up last time, but has had four starts and outstanding races, which is ideal for this race. I think he’s underrated based on Willie Mullins’ yard.”
Kate’s 1-2-3
1st place Johnny Who
2nd final order
3rd Order of Spain
Sam Boswell…
“My first choice is Monty’s Star. You have to go back to December 2023 to find his last win, but he has been at the top table of late, although I think his last run was a pretty good effort on the track at the Dublin Racing Festival , I don’t think he liked it. Henry de Bromhead has a great record in this race and this horse has all the right profiles to win this. He’s off the mark great and you can see him shortening.”
“Oscar’s Brother could be a real story for the Grand National. Trainer Conor King has only two horses in training with this horse, owned by JP McManus. He’s been building his form little by little and has shown a lot of improvement at every start. He ran really well at Cheltenham and will be even more effective on the trip.”
“My third choice in this race is Captain Cody, who beat me at the Scottish National last year. He seems to be enjoying the journey and has been targeted for this race from day one. If he gets into a rhythm early on he has a good chance.”
Sam’s 1-2-3
1st place Monty’s Star
2nd generation Oscar’s younger brother
3rd place amirite
grand national runner
1. I Am Maximus
3. Banbridge
4. Grange Clare West
5. Jeri Colombe
6. Haiti Couleur
8. Firefox
9. Monty’s Star
10. Spanish Harem
11. Leckie Watson
12. Champion Keely
13. Iroko
14. Favorie de Chande
15. Three-card pride
16. Oscar’s Brother
17. Mr. Vango
18. High class hero
19. Stella Story
20. View Pole
21. Captain Cody
22. Jagwar
23. Percival Regalois
24. Gorgeous Tom
25. The Real Wacker
26. Bourbon Street
27. Reply to Keif
28. Jordan
29. Final Command
30. Marble Sand
31. Panic attack
32. Top of the Building
33. Johnny Who
34. Twig
36. Imperial Saint
37.Amirite
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