Grand National pinstickers’ guide to runners
Grand National pinstickers’ guide to runners
Race Details
For Saturday’s Grand National at Aintree, here’s a breakdown of essential information. The event takes place on 11 April at 16:00 BST. Key factors include the horse’s performance, jockey, trainer, and weight carried. The racecard features 34 entries, though three have been withdrawn: Nick Rockett (number 2), Spillane’s Tower (number 7), and Pied Piper (number 35).
Form Abbreviations
Form codes provide insights into a horse’s recent runs: F = Fell, P = Pulled up, U = Unseated rider, S = Slipped up. These will guide assessments of each contender’s chances.
Top Contenders
Among the 34 runners, standout names include Quai de Bourbon, which is listed as the best outsider. Spanish Harlem also figures as a potential dark horse, according to the racecard.
Key Entries
I Am Maximus Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE) Jockey: Paul Townend Form: 82-925 Age: 10 Weight: 11-12
Gina: A 2024 winner who narrowly missed out to stablemate Nick Rockett last year on faster ground. This year, he faces a slightly higher weight but remains a strong contender.
Rating: 8/10 Odds: 7-1
Panic Attack Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE) Jockey: Patrick Mullins Form: 5-8481 Age: 10 Weight: 11-10
John: Third in 2025, edging out Fact To File and Spillane’s Tower. His performance last year, despite a stumble at the final fence, hinted at class. A more strategic approach could elevate his prospects.
Rating: 7/10 Odds: 9-1
Grangeclare West Trainer: Joseph O’Brien (IRE) Jockey: JJ Slevin Form: 7-4423 Age: 10 Weight: 11-11
Gina: A 2024 King George victor who nearly repeated the feat at Kempton this season. While he may prefer faster conditions, doubts linger about his stamina over longer distances.
Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1
Ben Nevis Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE) Jockey: Keith Donoghue Form: 21246 Age: 8 Weight: 11-4
John: A consistent performer at Grade One level over the past two years. His only fences victory came on New Year’s Eve 2023. Recent form suggests he could challenge rivals like Fact To File.
Rating: 5/10 Odds: 16-1
Quai de Bourbon Trainer: Rebecca Curtis Jockey: Sean Bowen Form: 1P11P Age: 9 Weight: 11-10
John: A rising star of the 2025-26 season, with victories in the Welsh Grand National and Denman Chase. His potential shines on softer ground, which may be advantageous for this year’s race.
Rating: 5/10 (increasing to 7/10 on soft ground) Odds: 14-1
Fact To File Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Jack Kennedy Form: 3-P321 Age: 10 Weight: 11-10
Gina: A former Grand National winner who has shown promise in recent runs. His 2025 performance, despite a hurdle at Valentines Brook, remains a positive sign for this year’s contest.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 25-1
Live coverage of the race will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, with real-time updates on the BBC Sport website and app. The 2026 Grand National promises a thrilling showdown as teams prepare for the challenge of Aintree’s iconic course.