Grand National 2026: I Maximus heads the weights for the Aintree race

2024 Grand National winner Ana Maximus heads the weights for this year’s race at Aintree on April 11.

The Willie Mullins-trained horse, owned by JP McManus, finished second last year between teammates Nick Rockett and Grangeclair West.

The 10-year-old also topped the weights last year and will once again lift 11st 12lb. No top weight has won the world’s biggest steeplechase since Red Rum won three times in 1974.

Iroko, who finished fourth as favorite last year behind the Irish-trained Mullins, finished 11th at 1lb and is the current favourite.

Martin Greenwood, British Horseracing Authority handicap driver, said: “Last year the top three horses at home were rated 160+. [in pounds]”The Randox Grand National is the highest handicap of the season.”

I Maximus aims to become the ninth horse to win the race multiple times.

Greenwood added: “If we are successful a second time, this would certainly be the highest mark a horse has won in the modern era.”

“Neptune Collonges is ranked 168th after winning the Grand National in 2012, and Suny Bay is second after 170th in 1998.

“I Am Maximus’ second-place finish last year was one of the great recent performances at the Grand National and there is Tiger Roll’s second win in 2019.”

Nick Rockett (11 lbs.) has had two setbacks that have kept him from running since winning last year’s Grand National at 33-1 odds.

Other Mullins runners towards the head of the weights include Grangeclare West (11 10lbs), Impaire Et Passe (11 5lbs), Spanish Harlem (11 3lbs) and Lecky Watson (11 2lbs), while last season’s King George winner Banbridge (11 11lbs) and Haiti Colors (11 10lbs) are also at the top of the list.

Approximate odds: 11-2 Iroki; 12-1 I am Maximus. 14-1 Haiti Color; 16-1 Panic attack, Nick Rocket; 20-1 GrangeClaire West, star of Monty; 22-1 Lecky Watson, Captain Cody; 25-1 My brother Oscar.