Grand National pinstickers’ guide to runners
Grand National pinstickers’ guide to runners
Saturday’s Aintree race features 34 contenders, with insights on their performance, trainers, and jockeys. BBC Radio 5 Live’s John Hunt and Gina Bryce provide analysis for each competitor. Odds may fluctuate, and three entries—number two (Nick Rockett), number seven (Spillane’s Tower), and number 35 (Pied Piper)—have been withdrawn.
Key Details
Each entry includes racecard number, name, trainer, jockey, recent form, age, and weight carried. Form codes: F = Fell, P = Pulled up, U = Unseated rider, S = Slipped up.
Best Outsiders
Quai de Bourbon is the standout long shot, while Spanish Harlem also shows promise. These selections reflect potential underdogs in the 2026 race.
1. Panic Attack
Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE) | Jockey: Paul Townend | Form: 82-925 | Age: 10 | Weight: 11-12
Gina: A 2024 winner who finished second to Nick Rockett last year on quicker ground. This year’s slight weight increase might not hinder his chances, especially with his track record at Aintree.
2. Grangeclare West
Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE) | Jockey: Patrick Mullins | Form: 5-8481 | Age: 10 | Weight: 11-10
John: A consistent performer in Grade One races, yet his only victory over fences came in a smaller event in 2023. His form behind Spillane’s Tower and Fact To File suggests he’s a viable contender.
3. I Am Maximus
Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE) | Jockey: JJ Slevin | Form: 7-4423 | Age: 10 | Weight: 11-11
Gina: A 2024 winner who narrowly missed repeating success at Kempton. His preferred surface is likely to play a role, though doubts remain about his stamina over longer distances.
4. Spanish Harlem
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead (IRE) | Jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe | Form: 4-3056 | Age: 9 | Weight: 11-3
John: A regular performer at Grade One level over the past two seasons, but his sole fences victory came in a minor race in 2023. His form in recent races hints at readiness for the challenge.
5. Quai de Bourbon
Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE) | Jockey: Jack Kennedy | Form: 3-P321 | Age: 10 | Weight: 11-10
Gina: Making a comeback after a lengthy break, he impressed as a runner-up to Grangeclare West in Ireland’s Bobbyjo Chase. A former Betfred Bowl winner at Aintree, this is his first opportunity to shine in the National.
6. Spanish Harlem
Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE) | Jockey: Keith Donoghue | Form: 21246 | Age: 8 | Weight: 11-4
Gina: Struggles with extended distances, as seen in recent high-level races. Despite his trainer’s past success, his stamina could be tested in this year’s event.
7. Fact To File
Trainer: Rebecca Curtis | Jockey: Sean Bowen | Form: 1P11P | Age: 9 | Weight: 11-10
John: A star of the 2025-26 season with wins in the Welsh Grand National and Denman Chase. His recent form, however, suggests a softer ground could elevate his performance.
8. The Drying Ground
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead (IRE) | Jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe | Form: 4-3056 | Age: 9 | Weight: 11-3
John: A regular Grade One performer but lacking a fences victory in the past 12 months. His performance in smaller races indicates potential, especially with soft ground favoring his style.
9. Panic Attack
Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE) | Jockey: Brian Hayes | Form: 11PUP | Age: 8 | Weight: 11-3
Gina: His name has appeared in recent races with a mix of form codes, making consistency uncertain. A 2024 Kerry National win hints at suitability for the National’s demands.
Final Notes
For live updates and race commentary, BBC Sport offers real-time text, while BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds broadcast detailed coverage. The race begins at 16:00 BST on 11 April.
