As Aintree Racecourse prepares for the world’s most famous steeplechase, the 2026 Grand National odds are finally taking shape for this 187-year-old race. I Am Maximus returns to Aintree as a favorite in search of a second title after his memorable victory in 2024.
I Am Maximus is the early betting favorite, but this year’s renewal looks wide open. In this preview, I break down the latest futures odds, assess the leading contenders, and share my Grand National predictions.
Grand National 2026 Winner Odds
The following Grand National odds are courtesy of BetOnline:
| HORSE | ODDS |
|---|---|
| I Am Maximus | +750 |
| Grangeclare West | +1000 |
| Jagwar | +1000 |
| Haiti Couleurs | +1200 |
| Iroko | +1200 |
| Panic Attack | +1400 |
| Johnnywho | +1600 |
| Nick Rockett | +1600 |
| Oscars Brother | +1600 |
| Captain Cody | +2000 |
I Am Maximus (+750) has the shortest odds to win the Grand National 2026 at the best horse racing betting sites. He is the most recognizable runner on the steeplechase circuit but was denied at a repeat at Aintree last year. Currently, I Am Maximus has a 11.8% implied probability to win.
The odds don’t doint to a clear favorite in this year’s Grand National. I Am Maximus may be the leading contender, but Willie Mullins’ talented gelding faces stiff competition from Grangeclare West (+1000) and Jagwar (+1000).
Haiti Couleurs (+1200) and Iroko (+1200) are also expected to run well and emerge as threats in the stretch. At +1200, each carries an implied probability of about 7.7% to win the Grand National. In other words, there isn’t much separating the favorite from the second tier of contenders in Liverpool.
You can find up-to-date Grand National winner odds at BetOnline by navigating to Sports > Horse Racing > Horse Futures > Grand National.
Grand National Format and Key Info
The Grand National is an annual steeplechase race held annually since 1839. The most coveted steeplechase race in the world features 4 miles and 2 ½ furlongs of racing on the National Course at Aintree in Liverpool on Saturday, April 11, at 4:00 BST.
The Grand National course includes 30 fences for runners to contend with. It’s a test of fitness and endurance for both horse and jockey. Horses that are best over this distance will persevere.
🐴 Let's join them on the second circuit of the 1973 Grand National.
Front-running Crisp, carrying 12st and ridden by Richard Pitman, is having a ball. Red Rum (10st 5lb) is giving pursuit under Brian Fletcher. #GrandNational @AintreeRaces pic.twitter.com/1j5MGh4c1N
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 4, 2022
In 2026, the Grand National field consists of a maximum of 34 runners. The initial entry list includes 90 horses, and that is cut down to 34 for race day. Horses seven and older with a handicap of at least 120 are eligible to enter. The final field of 34 horses will officially be announced 72 hours before post time.
Grand National 2026 Top Favorites
While there aren’t any obvious favorites to win, the betting odds to win the Grand National point to three horses that should be in contention in the stretch run! Let’s delve into the most likely winners before I share my Grand National 2026 predictions.
I Am Maximus (+750)
After failing to follow up his 2024 win with another victory in 2025, I Am Maximus is aiming to become just the ninth horse to win multiple Grand Nationals. Last year, he went off with the second-best odds at +800, level with Intense Raffles, and finished 2nd by 2 ½ lengths behind 33/1 longshot Nick Rockett.
Despite the defeat, it was a valiant bid, and with Grangeclare West finishing 3rd, Mullins’ runners filled the 1-2-3. There’s no doubt Mullins will have I Am Maximus ready for another big run. Having finished 1st and 2nd in his last two Grand National starts, it’s hard not to view him as the futures favorite.
🟢🟡 I Am Maximus streaks clear to win the £1 million Randox Grand National
🏆 Grand National
🏆 Irish Grand National pic.twitter.com/g0zlFxUFMi— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 13, 2024
He knows this treacherous course well, and the massive Aintree crowds are nothing new to him. The prized 10-year-old chaser is still operating at a high level in 2026. However, I Am Maximus is still chasing his first win since landing the Grand National in 2024.
I Am Maximus has run only five times since 2025, with his best efforts being his 2nd-place finish here a year ago and another runner-up finish in December. In his latest start, he finished 5th of 12 runners at Leopardstown in February. That said, I Am Maximus thrives in marathon tests over 4 miles.
He’s at his best under these conditions, so he remains a major threat. Also, standout jockey Paul Townsend appears like the rider here. His choice hasn’t been confirmed, but it would be surprising if Townsend goes elsewhere. In short, I Am Maximus remains one of the Grand National best bets in 2026.
Grangeclare West (+1000)
Willie Mullins sends another serious player to the Grand National gate in Grangeclare West. The Irish-bred 10-year-old is hitting form at the right time and should give a good account of himself at Aintree.
He’s coming off a February win with Townsend aboard, but that success came over 3 miles and 2 furlongs. Asking him to reproduce that effort over more than 4 miles is a different test. The form also needs context: he went off a 7/2 favorite against a relatively soft field in the Bobbyjo.
🤌 Townend
Grangeclare West captures the Bobbyjo @Fairyhouse pic.twitter.com/pbSswClFYm
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 21, 2026
Earlier in February, under tougher conditions, he could manage only 9th of 12 at 25/1, hinting at limitations when the heat is really on. That said, he ran a big race to finish 3rd in the 2025 Grand National, then backed it up with his late-February win. Townsend knows him well and certainly wouldn’t be unhappy to keep the ride.
The issue is the pecking order. Grangeclare West is almost certainly behind I Am Maximus in Townsend’s mind. Ditching the 2024 winner and 2025 runner-up to ride Grangeclare West at Aintree feels highly unlikely. If Townsend somehow does commit to Grangeclare West, my confidence shoots up.
But with that scenario doubtful, I’m ultimately passing and tossing this Mullins gelding at +1000.
Jagwar (+1000)
Entering in fine form, Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero’s Jagwar is expected to enter the conversation in the stretch run. Jagwar is a big boy that uses all of his weight to jump. Although he’s a strong runner and is a solid jumper, over 4 miles and 2 ½ furlongs, it could be too much for Jagwar in the final stretch.
He finished in the top-3 in eight consecutive races, including four victories over that span since October 2024. Jagwar placed 2nd in his previous two trips, which is solid, but he was listed at 3/1 and 7/4 and expected to have a big chance for a win.
"He'll be spot on for Aintree!"
Oliver Greenall provides an update on Jagwar and Iroko after their efforts in the Ultima at Cheltenham on Tuesday… pic.twitter.com/SB14XqbQCO
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) March 14, 2026
It wasn’t a disastrous effort for Jagwar, but he left some punters a little disappointed in January and March. Jagwar has run most of his races around 2 miles and 4 furlongs. He’s found his best results at that distance and has never started an event of over 4 miles.
Given the experienced runners he must contend with that have more experience than him at this distance. I anticipate Jagwar to start strong across the first 3 miles and then fall off. I’m not optimistic about the jumps working in his favor over a 4-mile race. So, I suggest tossing out Jagwar for your 2026 Grand National picks.
Grand National 2026 Best Sleepers
Before locking in my top 2026 Grand National prediction, let’s talk about the best longshots with a shout this Saturday:
Grand National 2026 Predictions and Betting Pick
The 2026 Grand National is shaping up to be a wide-open race that likely won’t be decided until the final strides. With Townsend highly likely to be booked for the I Am Maximus ride, I’m confident he can guide Mullins’ superstar back into the winner’s circle.
I didn’t back I Am Maximus last year, but I have more confidence in him now to make amends for that narrow defeat. This will be his third run in the Grand National, so he knows the course, the fences, and the unique test inside out. The big-race spotlight shouldn’t trouble him at this stage.
Of his three Grand National appearances, this year’s opposition looks the most manageable. There are several talented rivals, but many remain unproven over the full four-mile-plus trip. I Am Maximus, by contrast, thrives at this distance and has the form in the book to prove it.
At +750, there’s plenty of value in his current price. I’d have him closer to +650, which makes him a strong green light as one of the top Grand National 2026 picks to win.
Where to Bet on the Grand National 2026?
The most prestigious steeplechase event in the world calls for placing your bets at a trustworthy and respected online bookie! With this in mind, The Sports Geek recommends checking out the latest 2026 Grand National betting odds at BetOnline.
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