The wait is finally over. Today, all eyes in the racing world turn to Aintree for the 2026 Grand National.
This year’s contest promises to be a memorable one, with a field of 34 contenders set to tackle 30 formidable fences in the ultimate test of stamina and courage.
In last year’s gripping race, I Am Maximus narrowly missed achieving back-to-back triumphs, finishing a determined second behind Nick Rockett – absent this year after being withdrawn with coughing – and now the focus turns to redemption.
Can the former winner return to the top, or will a new contender emerge from the Merseyside mist? To assist in identifying the victor of the world’s most iconic steeplechase, ITV Racing’s lead voice and analyst, Richard Hoiles, has crunched the form and analysed the ground to produce his final 1-2-3-4-5 verdict – including a big-priced outsider that could tempt each-way wagers.
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READ MORE: Who is the favourite for the Grand National? Latest odds for 2026 Aintree raceREAD MORE: Gold Dancer jockey explains how fatal injury occurred while winning race at AintreeHoiles believes the famous green and gold silks carried by a renowned owner may prove decisive. JP McManus, an iconic figure in the sport, has assembled a strong group for the Aintree highlight, and the ITV pundit is paying close attention to his main hopes.
“JP McManus has a really strong hand headed by I Am Maximus who proven record round here makes him preferred to Percival Legallois who looks overpriced,” he said in his Betway blog. “Imperial Saint is another outsider who can run well whilst Monty’s Star and Johnnywho can make the frame.”
Richard Hoiles’ Grand National 1-2-3-4-5:
- I AM MAXIMUS (15/2)
- PERCIVAL LEGALLOIS (25/1)
- MONTY’S STAR (11/1)
- JOHNNYWHO (10/1)
- IMPERIAL SAINT (50/1)
Clarifying his top selection, Hoiles said of I Am Maximus: “Winner in 2024 and runner up last year. Campaigned in Grade 1 races since then and has lots of class. Choice of Paul Townend and will make a bold bid to regain his crown.”
Assessing Percival Legallois, he commented: “Was sent off as short as 10-1 for the race last season when falling at Valentines first time. Made late ground at Tramore on New Years Day and very much appeals as a lively outsider with Harry Cobden booked.”
On Monty’s Star, he added: “Ran well for a long way in the Irish Gold Cup. Would be suited by any further rain but looks well handicapped and one of the leading contenders.”
Discussing Johnnywho, he sad: “Runs off the same mark as when beating Jagwar (Iroko behind) in the Ultima at the Festival. Appears much more versatile ground wise these days and after a quiet season the yard are finishing it well. Definitely one to consider.”
Lastly, highlighting Imperial Saint as a longshot, he wrote: “Promoted reserve who has run well several times here on the Mildmay course. Got badly hampered at Cheltenham before making good late headway. Runs in the family colours of former Champion Jockey Richard Johnson who never won the race. Can outrun his odds.”
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