Grand National pinstickers’ guide to runners
Grand National 2026: Pinstickers’ Insights on Runners
As Saturday’s Aintree showdown approaches, here’s a breakdown of the key contenders, including their trainers, jockeys, recent performances, and weight carried. Odds are subject to change, with Nick Rockett, Spillane’s Tower, and Pied Piper confirmed as non-runners. The racecard features 34 entries, each with distinct form codes: F (Fell), P (Pulled up), U (Unseated rider), and S (Slipped up).
Best Outsiders
Among the hopefuls, Quai de Bourbon, Grangeclare West, Monty’s Star, and I Am Maximus are highlighted as potential longshots. Spanish Harlem also stands out as a notable contender in the betting.
Panic Attack
Trained by Willie Mullins (IRE) and ridden by Paul Townend, Panic Attack is a 10-year-old carrying 11st 12lb. Gina notes that the horse’s 2024 victory and a close second to Nick Rockett last year on improved ground suggest it has a strong chance this season, despite a 1lb weight increase.
Grangeclare West
Ridden by JJ Slevin, this 10-year-old under Joseph O’Brien (IRE) carries 11st 11lb. Gina recalls its 2024 King George win and a near-repetition at Kempton, though doubts linger about its stamina over extended distances. John highlights its consistent performances, with a 2025-26 season marked by notable successes.
Monty’s Star
With trainer Willie Mullins (IRE) and jockey Patrick Mullins, Monty’s Star is a 10-year-old at 11st 10lb. John praises its recent form, noting a strong third-place finish in the 2025 race, though its only win over fences remains its New Year’s Eve 2023 victory.
I Am Maximus
Ridden by Sean Bowen, this 9-year-old under Rebecca Curtis carries 11st 10lb. John observes its status as a rising star, with victories in the Welsh Grand National and Denman Chase. However, its performance in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month, hindered by dry conditions, raises questions about its suitability for softer ground.
Spanish Harlem
Trained by Gordon Elliott (IRE) and ridden by Keith Donoghue, Spanish Harlem is an 8-year-old carrying 11st 4lb. Gina highlights its stamina concerns, despite its trainer’s past success in the Grand National. John notes its recent form behind Fact To File and Spillane’s Tower, but its 2024 record underlines potential.
Quai de Bourbon
Ridden by Brian Hayes, this 8-year-old under Willie Mullins (IRE) carries 11st 3lb. Gina points to its 2024 Kerry National win, suggesting it could thrive in the Grand National. However, its recent form, marked by a sequence of letters, may raise questions about consistency.
Fact To File
Trained by Gordon Elliott (IRE) and ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe, Fact To File is a 9-year-old at 11st 3lb. John comments on its past performances, including a small-race win on New Year’s Eve 2023, and its potential to challenge rivals like Spillane’s Tower.
Spillane’s Tower
Ridden by Jack Kennedy, this 9-year-old under Gordon Elliott (IRE) carries 11st 3lb. John recalls its 2025 performance, where it finished behind Fact To File, and questions whether its recent form justifies its odds in the 2026 race.
Grangeclare West
Trained by Willie Mullins (IRE) and ridden by Paul Townend, Grangeclare West is a 10-year-old carrying 11st 11lb. Gina highlights its 2024 King George win and a close second to Nick Rockett, emphasizing its adaptability to faster surfaces. John agrees, noting its 2025-26 form as a key factor in its prospects.
Weight and Form Considerations
The race’s weight distribution and ground conditions will play a critical role. Some horses, like I Am Maximus, benefit from softer terrain, while others may struggle under the same conditions. This dynamic could influence their chances significantly.
