2026 Grand National Odds - I Am Maximus edges into Aintree favouritism

Jon Vine

Editor

Last updated: Tue 07 Apr 2026 10:48

Jon Vine 07 Apr 2026

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Latest odds and betting for the 2026 Grand National [Updated on 31.3.2026]
This famous handicap chase takes place at Aintree on Saturday 11th April
I Am Maximus is the clear favourite at 8/1

Nick Rockett (right) beating I Am Maximus, Grangeclare West and Iroko in the 2025 Grand National. (Getty)

The eyes of the world will be fixed on Aintree on April 11th, as a field of 34 talented chasers takes part in the 2026 Grand National.

The weights were announced for the 2026 renewal at Aintree racecourse earlier this month, and the Cheltenham Festival has come and gone. Here's a look through the current Grand National betting and a rundown of the most likely runners.

2026 Grand National Odds

Name	Odds
I Am Maximus	8/1
Jagwar	10/1
Grangeclare West	11/1
Iroko	12/1
Johnnywho	16/1
Haiti Couleurs	16/1
Oscars Brother	16/1
Panic Attack	18/1
Monty's Star	20/1
Nick Rockett	20/1
Bar	25/1

2026 Grand National Entries

Willie Mullins' two most recent Grand National winners won the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse before claiming victory at Aintree. Grangeclare West ran out a comfortable winner of this year's Bobbyjo, and last year's third was immediately backed into favouritism for the 2026 Grand National.

2024 winner, I Am Maximus ran a stormer when second to Nick Rockett 12 months ago, as both finished ahead of Grangeclare West. Nick Rockett will return to defend his crown, having finished third on his comeback run at Down Royal on the Sunday after the Cheltenham Festival. I Am Maximus has continued to perform well this season, finishing second to Affordale Fury in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown, and Willie Mullins' former winner has been backed into a single-figure price in recent days.

Along with I Am Maximus, JP McManus has three other contenders sitting prominently in the market. Jagwar qualified for the Grand National with that runner-up effort in the Ultima at Cheltenham, where he was narrowly beaten by fellow flag-bearer Johnnywho. Iroko drifted from his position at the head of the ante-post Grand National betting, after only finishing tenth under top-weight at Cheltenham.

Haiti Couleurs faded rapidly from the front in the Gold Cup, but Rebecca Curtis' Irish and Welsh Grand National winner should be much more comfortable back in handicap company at Aintree. Monty's Star has been laid out for the National after a series of decent efforts in Grade Ones. Gerri Colombe finished second to Grangeclare West in the Bobbijo, and will head to Aintree on the back of a win over Nick Rockett and Roi Mage at Down Royal.

Gavin Cromwell's assault could be headlined by runaway Cross Country winner Final Orders and Brown Advisory fifth Now Is The Hour. Willie Mullins is sure to play a strong hand, with Scottish Grand National winner Captain Cody likely to be joined by Quai De Bourbon, High Class Hero, Spanish Harlem, Champ Kiely and Lecky Watson - who was well-backed after the 2026 Grand National weights were released.

Connor King looks set to run another in the JP McManus colours, Oscars Brother. Spillane's Tower has been entered by Jimmy Mangan. Henry de Bromhead is further represented by Gorgeous Tom. Stellar Story, Favori De Champdou and Search For Glory could all represent Gordon Elliott.

Dan Skelton will be represented by prolific mare Panic Attack, if she makes the final field. Other potential home runners include Ben Pauling's duo of Twig and Handstands, Mr Vango for Sara Bradstock, Beauport for the Twiston-Davies team, and Venetia Williams' former Grade One winner, L'Homme Presse.