Horse racing news: Five horses of interest at huge odds for the 2026 Grand National
The Grand National picture has become much clearer following the reveal of the weights for the 2026 edition.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s horse racing expert Kieran McHugh picks out five horses to keep an eye on.
Who has weighted well?
After a long season of connections trying to play the game and keep their horse’s weight down for the Grand National, they were finally put out of their misery.
It seems fair to say that some were happier than others, as is often the case.
The headline was that 2024 winner I Am Maximus will carry top weight, with defending champion Nick Rockett carrying a pound less than his stablemate.
But further down the weights, there are some competitors who could be weighted pretty well for the Aintree showpiece.
A reminder – the top 34 horses in the weights will take their place.
Any below that will be reliant on those above coming out of the race.
With that in mind, let us take a look through the field.
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Jagwar – Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
JP McManus’ seven-year-old certainly has the attention of many for the Cheltenham Festival but he also holds an entry for the Grand National.
The extended distance and nature of the National course might be a worry, but he is evidently a classy horse and is certainly well in on 10st 10lb.
If Cheltenham goes well, he could head to Aintree and you would imagine he would not be without support.
Favori De Champdou – Gordon Elliott
Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown know how to win this race, and this 11-year-old has been rejuvenated recently.
He landed a big handicap over Christmas and then doubled up with a commanding success over the cross-country course at Cheltenham.
He is likely to take his place in that event at the Cheltenham Festival and will carry 11st 1lb in the Grand National.
Sound familiar? This is the route that dual National winner Tiger Roll used to take.
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Mr Vango – Sara Bradstock
“The handicapper is not on Mr Vango’s Christmas list,” said Sara Bradstock.
The fan favourite will shoulder 10st 12lb at Aintree after carrying top weight in the Eider Chase this weekend.
He will need to keep with them on the first circuit to stand a real chance, but he will certainly stay and any rain would only enhance his credentials.
The Real Whacker – Patrick Neville
Patrick Neville’s stalwart might have gone a tad off the boil recently, but if he can find a return to form, he could be overlooked in the market.
He has Grade One form once upon a time and 10st 9lb might well be quite flattering for him.
He is dependent on a few coming out but that should be no issue.
It would be some fairytale should he triumph for connections.
Intense Raffles – Thomas Gibney
A former Irish Grand National winner who perhaps was not seen to best effect when competing in the Aintree equivalent last year.
He was pretty good in the Coral Gold Cup (or the Hennessy for us die-hards).
He has struggled since then, though, but is set to carry 10st 6lb this time around, which could help his cause.
If he makes the race and it does not go pear-shaped from the start, he will certainly outrun his odds.
Only time will tell
The Grand National is quite far away and we will certainly have more of an idea after the Cheltenham Festival.
The biggest pin-stickers’ race in the world is certainly challenging to unpick but we shall persist.
Who will be able to add their name to a storied list on Saturday, April 11?
We will only know after the gruelling four-mile challenge over those iconic fences.
But for now, here is hoping we have uncovered some potential contenders.
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