Grand National pinstickers’ guide to runners
Grand National 2026: Pinstickers’ Guide to Runners
Key Elements to Track
For Saturday’s Grand National at Aintree, essential factors include the horses, their riders, trainers, and performance records. BBC Radio 5 Live’s John Hunt and Gina Bryce provide insights into the 34 contenders. Note: Estimated odds may shift. Runners 2 (Nick Rockett), 7 (Spillane’s Tower), and 35 (Pied Piper) have been withdrawn.
Best Outsiders
The most promising outsiders for the 2026 Grand National are Quai de Bourbon and Spanish Harlem. These selections highlight potential upsets in a competitive field.
Contender Highlights
1. Panic Attack – Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE), Jockey: Paul Townend, Form: 82-925, Age: 10, Weight: 11-12. Gina observes that the 2024 winner has maintained strong form, finishing second to stablemate Nick Rockett last year on faster ground. The Willie Mullins-trained specialist is expected to have another strong chance this year, with a slight weight increase.
2. Grangeclare West – Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE), Jockey: Patrick Mullins, Form: 5-8481, Age: 10, Weight: 11-10. John highlights the horse’s third-place finish in 2025, narrowly beaten by three lengths. A 10-year-old with a history of class, this effort was hindered by a fence mishap at 25 (Valentines Brook) and a self-inflicted error at the final hurdle. Improved tactics could elevate his performance.
3. Monty’s Star – Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE), Jockey: Jack Kennedy, Form: 3-P321, Age: 10, Weight: 11-10. Gina remarks on the horse’s return after a long break, showing consistent improvement. Notably, it placed second to Grangeclare West in Ireland’s Bobbyjo Chase. A former Betfred Bowl winner, this is its first attempt at the Grand National and merits attention.
4. I Am Maximus – Trainer: Joseph O’Brien (IRE), Jockey: Sean Bowen, Form: 1P11P, Age: 9, Weight: 11-10. John underscores its status as a 2025-26 season standout, with victories in the Welsh Grand National and Denman Chase. Despite a 6-1 price for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, its performance on soft ground could be pivotal here.
5. Quai de Bourbon – Trainer: Henry de Bromhead (IRE), Jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe, Form: 4-3056, Age: 9, Weight: 11-3. John notes its regular top-level consistency, though its only fence-winning success remains a small race triumph on New Year’s Eve 2023. Its form against Fact To File and Spillane’s Tower suggests potential, but recent performance may raise questions.
“A soft-ground National gives him real hope – dry conditions, not so much,” Gina adds about one contender, noting its developmental surge and 6-1 odds for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
6. Spanish Harlem – Trainer: Rebecca Curtis, Jockey: Keith Donoghue, Form: 21246, Age: 8, Weight: 11-4. Gina points out its unproven stamina, despite Gordon Elliott’s previous three Grand National wins. The horse has shown struggles in extended distances, making its chances uncertain in this year’s race.
Additional analysis: Some runners have adjusted odds based on ground conditions. For example, one horse’s rating has grown from 5/10 to 7/10 on softer terrain, reflecting its suitability for the race’s demands.
Race Day Coverage
Live commentary and reaction will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds. The BBC Sport website and app will feature real-time updates for all Saturday races, including the Grand National.
