2026 Grand National: Chris Wright’s Top 10 Aintree Tips

The 178th Randox Grand National runs at Aintree on Saturday, April 11. The tapes go up at 4pm and 34 runners will line up.

Filmogaz.com’s racing reporter Chris Wright has compiled his top 10 Aintree tips for the 2026 Grand National. His list rates each contender and gives a guide price for the betting market.

Leading contenders and short analysis

Captain Cody (Willie Mullins, jockey TBC)

Won the Scottish Grand National at Ayr last April and carries clear stamina credentials. Recent form has been mixed, including a fall in the Thyestes Chase. Score: 4. Odds: 20-1.

Final Orders (Gavin Cromwell, jockey TBC)

Placed in the Ulster National at Downpatrick last March and later pulled up in the Irish Grand National. Has since excelled in cross-country races, winning twice at Cheltenham. Score: 3. Odds: 33-1.

Haiti Couleurs (Rebecca Curtis, Sean Bowen)

A dual Grand National winner with past success over the Mildmay fences. Recent wins include the Denman Chase at Newbury, though he was pulled up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Score: 4. Odds: 16-1.

Iroko (Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero, Jonjo O’Neill Jr)

Finished fourth in last year’s National as a seven-year-old and had been an early ante-post favourite. Disappointed in the Ultima Handicap at Cheltenham and needs to bounce back. Score: 4. Odds: 12-1.

I Am Maximus (Willie Mullins, Paul Townend TBC)

The 2024 winner and last year’s runner-up under top weight. Has had a mixed preparation but has posted solid runs in top staying races. Score: 4. Odds: 8-1.

Nick Rockett (Willie Mullins, Patrick Mullins)

Triumphed in the 2025 Randox Grand National on April 5, 2025. Has had setbacks and only one recent run, but showed class in previous trial wins. Score: 4. Odds: 20-1.

Johnnywho (Jonjo & A.J. O’Neill, Richie McLernon)

Won the Ultima Handicap at Cheltenham and has a proven staying pedigree. Consistent form suggests he could peak for the big day. Score: 3. Odds: 16-1.

Oscars Brother (Conor King, Daniel King)

Improving novice chaser bought by JP McManus after a Punchestown Grade Two success. Still relatively inexperienced over fences but has shown promise in graded company. Score: 3. Odds: 16-1.

Panic Attack (Dan Skelton, Harry Skelton)

Three wins from four fences starts since joining Dan Skelton. Has taken major handicaps, including the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. Could become the first mare to win since 1951. Score: 4. Odds: 16-1.

Perceval Legallois (Gavin Cromwell, jockey TBC)

Looked a potential big player last year before falling at the ninth fence. Has since returned to form and finished fourth to Heart Wood at Tramore. Score: 3. Odds: 40-1.

Context and outlook

Barry Geraghty has suggested owner JP McManus has several big players entered this year. The market looks competitive with multiple Willie Mullins runners among the favourites.

Readers can follow betting markets with bookmakers offering full markets on the Grand National. Filmogaz.com will provide further analysis and final declarations ahead of the race.