Need to know
ECHO Racing reporter Chris Wright picks 10 horses who he thinks have a chance in this year’s Grand National
Grand National 2026: All You Need To Know
- The 2026 Grand National at Aintree marks the 178th running of the historic steeplechase. The prestigious race is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 11.
- The race is officially scheduled to begin on Saturday afternoon at 4pm. The unique challenges of the Aintree course will be tackled by a field of 34 runners and riders.
- Previous winners are among the top contenders in this year’s lineup. This includes Nick Rockett, who claimed victory in the 2025 running, and I Am Maximus, the winner of the 2024 race.
- Captain Cody has been highlighted as a strong prospect and given a solid 4/5 rating by reporter Chris Wright. This endorsement follows the horse’s impressive win in the Scottish Grand National last April.
- Haiti Couleurs is considered a formidable candidate for the 2026 Grand National. This is because the horse has already secured victories in both the Irish and Welsh Grand Nationals.
- Iroko is among the horses considered one of the more likely winners despite recent form issues. Although the horse faced a recent disappointment at Cheltenham, it previously finished fourth in the Grand National.
- Trainer Dan Skelton’s mare, Panic Attack, is aiming for a historic win this year. If successful, Panic Attack would become the first female horse to win the Grand National since 1951.
- Expert jockey Barry Geraghty suggests that owner JP McManus has several strong contenders in the 2026 lineup. The horses tipped by Chris Wright are evaluated based on their form, jumping, and stamina, with odds ranging from 8-1 to 40-1.
