Grand National 2026 – Clear, Hard Facts
This is the Randox Grand National (4m2½f, Class 1 handicap, 34 runners, good to soft). Thirty fences, relentless pace, and a test that exposes any weakness in stamina, jumping or temperament.

What matters most in this race
Forget standard handicapping for a moment. This race is different. The key factors here are:
Stamina over 4m2½f – non-negotiable
Jumping accuracy at these fences – one mistake can end it
Temperament in a 34-runner field – chaos early, pressure late
Track experience or suitability – rhythm is everything
Ratings help, but they are secondary to proven suitability for this test.
The pace angle
There’s no obvious tearaway now.
Several habitual prominent racers have come out
Likely outcome: even gallop rather than a burn-up
That slightly favours:
Travellers who settle
Hold-up horses who conserve energy
But hold-up types still need luck. That never changes here.
The class angle
Top of the ratings:
Grangeclare West
I Am Maximus
Iroko
Panic Attack
There is a clear drop after that. However, in this race, class only counts if it stays and jumps.
The main contenders
I Am Maximus
The most solid profile in the race.
Winner in 2024, 2nd in 2025
Proven stamina, jumping and attitude
Handles the track and the occasion
There are no questions left. In this field, that is a major edge.
Grangeclare West
Top-rated and respected.
High-class form
Strong recent figures
But the key issue is obvious:
not proven over this trip or these fences
He has the ability, but this race demands more than that.
Iroko
One of the most convincing profiles.
4th in last year’s National
Travelled strongly, finished well
Still looks well handicapped
Likely to be ridden patiently again. If he gets a clear run, he will be finishing better than most.
Panic Attack
High on ratings, arrives in form.
Strong recent performances
Figures suggest he belongs at this level
But this is a completely different test. No proof yet that he stays or handles the fences.
The dangers and value angles
Top Of The Bill
Solid staying handicapper.
Proven at marathon trips
Keeps finding under pressure
Not classy, but this race often rewards that type. Strong each-way profile.
Quai De Bourbon
Unexposed and still improving.
Stays well
Capable of stepping forward again
Needs to prove he’s good enough, but not ruled out.
Gerri Colombe
Class act on form, but:
Stamina not guaranteed
This test is far beyond what he’s proven
Risk attached.
Horses with clear negatives
Three Card Brag – didn’t stay last year
Spanish Harlem – unreliable profile
The Real Whacker – stamina concerns
Twig – well beaten in this race before
In the National, these flaws are usually exposed.
Key trends and reality check
Horses with previous National experience have a major edge
Second-time runners in the race often improve
Strong finishers are favoured over flashy travellers
This is not a race for guesswork. It rewards proven, repeatable attributes.
Final view
This has simplified into a clear shape:
I Am Maximus – the proven benchmark
Iroko – the strongest challenger with the right profile
Grangeclare West – ability there, but stamina to prove
Everything else is either unproven or lacks the right attributes.
Smart Play
Win: I Am Maximus
Saver / Each-way: Iroko
Each-way angle (bigger price): Top Of The Bill
This race rarely goes to the most talented horse. It goes to the one best suited to the test. On the evidence available, that still points firmly to I Am Maximus, with Iroko the one most likely to capitalise if anything goes wrong.