The 2026 Grand National takes place on Saturday 11th April 2026 at Aintree and we’ve got our best Grand National betting tips ready to share. We’ll take you through our top suggestions, and reveal some of the favourites available for the race, with some top betting offers to help you maximise your profits through Grand National free bets.
We can also reveal the confirmed 2026 Grand National weights now that they have been revealed.
Grand National tips
The likes of Nick Rockett, I Am Maximus and Tiger Roll have claimed victory in recent years. We still have a while to go until the big race, but the bookies have already provided the ante post odds for Aintree.
Below are our Grand National betting tips for the 2026 event.
I Am Maximus @ 10/1 with BOYLE Sports
I Am Maximus is bidding to rewrite the modern history books in the 2026 Grand National, and despite shouldering top weight once again, it is impossible to ignore his exceptional Aintree pedigree. The 2024 champion proved his immense class over these unique fences last year when finishing a phenomenal second to stablemate Nick Rockett while carrying a punishing 11st 12lb. This year, the handicapper has nudged his official rating up to 168, meaning he will be tasked with carrying that exact same top weight. However, if any horse has the raw engine and the course-proven stamina to become the first top-weight winner since Red Rum in 1974, it is this JP McManus-owned superstar.
While his recent winter campaign over in Ireland hasn’t yielded a victory—including a runner-up effort at Leopardstown in December and a fifth-place finish behind Fact To File in February—this has all the hallmarks of a classic Willie Mullins preparation geared entirely around peaking in April.
Slower ground on the day would undoubtedly play to his strengths, as testing conditions seem to command more respect from his jumping. At current ante-post odds of around 10/1, he remains the undeniable class act of the field. If he can settle into a good early rhythm, I Am Maximus is a remarkably solid each-way prospect who knows exactly what it takes to hit the frame in this marathon.
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Iroko@ 12/1 with Betfred
Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero’s Iroko looks primed to go a few places better than his brilliant fourth-place finish in last year’s Grand National, and he rightfully commands massive respect at the head of the betting market. While his recent tenth-place finish in the Ultima at Cheltenham might look uninspiring on paper, he notably scoped dirty with mucus after the race, providing a watertight excuse for the rare flop.
Crucially, the tight, undulating turns of Prestbury Park have never truly suited his massive stride; returning to the long, sweeping straights of Aintree—where he rattled home late from an impossible position 12 months ago—is exactly the test this eight-year-old needs. Tasked with carrying a manageable 11st 1lb, he looks a physically stronger, more complete horse this season following a wind operation. With Jonjo O’Neill Jr taking the reins in the famous JP McManus silks, Iroko boasts the perfect blend of tactical speed and proven course stamina to finally land the ultimate prize.
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Haiti Couleurs @ 16/1 with Ladbrokes
Rebecca Curtis’s Haiti Couleurs arrives at Aintree as one of the most fascinating dark horses in the 2026 Grand National. While being pulled up in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup might deter some, the nine-year-old was simply taken out of his comfort zone by the relentless early pace on quicker ground. Instead, he is far better judged on his gritty Denman Chase victory at Newbury in February.
He already boasts the ultimate stamina credentials after staying on magnificently to win last year’s Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. He will have to shoulder a hefty 11st 10lb this time around, but with Sean Bowen taking the reins, this relentless galloper has the proven marathon engine to bounce back and deliver a massive each-way run at generous odds.
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Panic Attack @ 20/1 with BetMGM
Dan Skelton’s star mare Panic Attack comes to Aintree aiming to become the first female winner of the Grand National since Nickel Coin in 1951, and she absolutely has the form to do it.
Following a historic autumn double in the Paddy Power and Coral Gold Cups, she proved her class again with a rock-solid third in the Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month. While this marathon trip is unchartered territory, her stamina looked bottomless at Newbury and her jumping has been spectacular all winter.
Sneaking into the handicap with a featherweight 10st 5lb, and with Harry Skelton taking the ride, this incredibly consistent ten-year-old possesses the tactical speed to outrun her generous 20/1 odds and write her name into the history books.
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Grand National 2026 Betting Odds & Favourites
Here are the current favourites for the 2026 Grand National. The full list has not been confirmed yet and will not be for some time, but here are the current favourites that the bookies see as being in the running for the race. It is no shock to see some recent Grand National winners and runners expected to challenge for first place.
| Grand National 2026 Favourites | Grand National 2026 Betting Odds |
| I Am Maximus | 10/1 |
| Grangeclare West | 10/1 |
| Iroko | 12/1 |
| Jagwar | 12/1 |
| Jonnywho | 16/1 |
| Montys Star | 20/1 |
| Haiti Couleurs | 20/1 |
| Nick Rockett | 20/1 |
| Oscars Brother | 25/1 |
| Stellar Story | 25/1 |
Grand National Outsider Betting tips
Have a look at some of the outsiders that we fancy for the 2026 Grand National. As we get closer to the race, more horses will be added to this section!
Favori De Champdou @ 33/1 (E/W) with BetVictor
Gordon Elliott’s Favori De Champdou boasts an unorthodox but deeply intriguing profile heading into this year’s Grand National. The Gigginstown-owned eleven-year-old has been a revelation over the banks and hedges this winter, bolting up in the Cross Country Chase on Trials Day before a brave runner-up effort to Final Orders over those same unique obstacles at last month’s Cheltenham Festival.
While those exploits have left him with a hefty 11st 1lb weight burden, his proven stamina over marathon trips and recent zest for unconventional jumping tests make him a fascinating proposition. If he takes to the Aintree spruce with the same enthusiasm he showed at Prestbury Park, this battle-hardened stayer could easily outrun his 33/1 odds and give connections a massive thrill.
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Mr Vango @ 66/1 with VirginBet
Sara Bradstock’s colossal staying star Mr Vango is a true old-fashioned steeplechaser who will relish the marathon test of the Grand National. While pulling up in his last two starts raises obvious red flags, a treated foot abscess provides a genuine excuse, and he is far better judged on his gutsy runner-up effort over these exact Aintree fences in December’s Becher Chase.
Factor in his sensational top-weight victory in last year’s Midlands National, and his stamina is undeniable. If the heavens open to provide his beloved soft ground, this giant, relentless front-runner could easily plug away into the frame at massive odds.
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Grand National 2026 Weights Revealed
The 2026 Grand National weights have been confirmed today, with I Am Maximus heading into the race with the top weight for the second year in a row.
I Am Maximus finished second last season at 11st 12Ibs and won the Grand National the year prior at 11st 6Ilbs.
Banbridge and Nick Rockett are joint-second on the list at 11st 11Ilbs.
Take a look at the Grand National 2026 weights below. The weights being revealed is great for bettors, as you can now make more decisions about the best bets to place for Aintree with full knowledge of all the weights of the horses.
The likes of bet365 have fantastic betting offers available, giving you free bets ahead of the race, so make sure to take advantage of them ahead of the Grand National.
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Take a look at all the confirmed Grand National weights below.
| Grand National 2026 Horses | Grand National 2026 Weights |
| I Am Maximus | 11st 12lbs |
| Banbridge | 11st 11lbs |
| Nick Rockett | 11st 11lbs |
| Gerri Colombe | 11st 10lbs |
| Grangeclare West | 11st 10lbs |
| Grey Dawning | 11st 10lbs |
| Haiti Couleurs | 11st 10lbs |
| L’Homme Presse | 11st 8lbs |
| Spillane’s Tower | 11st 8lbs |
| Impaire Et Passe | 11st 5lbs |
| Appreciate It | 11st 4lbs |
| Firefox | 11st 4lbs |
| Gentlemans Game | 11st 3lbs |
| Monty’s Star | 11st 3lbs |
| Spanish Harlem | 11st 3lbs |
| Lecky Watson | 11st 2lbs |
| Champ Kiely | 11st 1lb |
| Favori De Champdou | 11st 1lb |
| Flooring Porter | 11st 1lb |
| Iroko | 11st 1lb |
| Western Fold | 11st 1lb |
| Three Card Brag | 11st |
| Handstands | 10st 13lbs |
| Oscars Brother | 10st 13lbs |
| Mr Vango | 10st 12lbs |
| Beauport | 10st 11lbs |
| Better Days Ahead | 10st 11lbs |
| High Class Hero | 10st 11lbs |
| Ile Atlantique | 10st 11lbs |
| Resplendent Grey | 10st 11lbs |
| Stellar Story | 10st 11lbs |
| Captain Cody | 10st 10lbs |
| French Dynamite | 10st 10lbs |
| Jagwar | 10st 10lbs |
Why you should look for Grand National Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB) Offers
One thing you definitely need to look out for when betting on the 2026 Grand National are Non-Runner No Bet offers. There are 34 horses taking part in the race at Aintree, and there is the possibility that the horse you bet on ante-post pulls out of the race.
If you place a bet with a betting site offering NRNB, then your stake will be refunded in full if your horse doesn’t run. The likes of bet365, William Hill and Betfred all show these offers.
About The Author – Luke Seychell
I am a sports expert with over four years of experience writing on a range of sports. I provide carefully researched sports tips across a number of sports, ranging from football to racing. I have gained plenty of experience using all the different bookmakers that you can see on MyBettingSites, so you can be sure of first-hand knowledge when reading our reviews of betting sites.
When not providing expert analysis on our site and looking out for the best new and existing customer offers, I enjoy touring the country watching Crystal Palace, and am looking forward to embarking on a European tour in the season ahead.
Grand National Tips FAQs
The current favourite to win the 2026 Grand National is I Am Maximus (10/1). Haiti Couleurs and Jagwar are also in the running for the Grand National.
The Grand National will take place on Saturday 11th April 2026. The huge event, which takes place at Aintree every year, will attract fans from across the world.
Since 2024, there was a rule change which meant up to 34 runners could race in the Grand National. It used to be a larger number but they reduced it for safety reasons.
The betting offers, for both new and existing customers, will typically vary depending on what bookmaker you are looking to bet with. ‘Best odds guaranteed’, ‘extra places’ and ‘money back’ specials will all be available. There should also be many bookmakers who run the non-runner-no-bet promotion.
You should look into a few factors when trying to pick a good horse for the Grand National. Age is something you should take into account, with horses aged 8, 9 or 10 being the typical age for a winner of the Grand National. You should also look into their form ahead of the race and see how they have fared in races of similar distance. Another factor you should look into is the weight of horses. Horses who weigh under 11 stones are typically the ones who either win the race or come close to winning.