2026 Grand National contenders and tip

The 2026 Grand National is upon us, so join Coral as we run you through the contenders for the race, as well as our betting tip.

2026 Grand National contenders and tip

The race everyone has been eagerly awaiting, the feature Grand National, is as hard a puzzle to solve as ever. While the emphasis seems to have shifted in recent years onto high class, staying handicappers, this race is full of horses which fit the bill and any number of them could be the winner.

I Am Maximus was the winner of this race two years ago and was last year’s runner-up too. He looks have been set up to run here on a competitive enough mark. Paul Townend takes the ride, which could be a tip in itself. 

Panic Attack represents the Skeltons, having run well for second in the Mares’ Chase last time. She is significantly up in trip here, but has stayed 26 furlongs well to win the Coral Gold Cup in the past, so she could be a real player here.  

Grangeclare West is the choice of last year’s winning jockey, Patrick Mullins. He was third in this race last year by just three lengths, but is three pounds higher in the weights this year. He’s well proven, but might need some luck in running. 

Jagwar, JP McManus’s first string, is in first-time cheekpieces, which could prove helpful here. His form is consistently good, but he is tried over this marathon trip for the first time. A seven-year-old, his youth might be helpful here. In the past, Grand National winners tended to be older but the changes have placed a new emphasis on younger improvers.

Coral ambassador Sean Bowen’s ride is the Welsh National winner Haiti Couleurs, who pulled up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last time but that run was below form. If back to his usual self here, he will be a big factor in this race and could get a place at 14/1. 

Ben Pauling’s Twig won the Grand Sefton here in December and, having had just one quiet run over hurdles at Uttoxeter since, he could be a serious player here at a big price. He ran to no note in this last year, but arrives in much better form on this occasion and, on the same mark as in 2025, he could outrun his odds. 

Coral’s big-race tip: Jagwar at 10/1

View the Grand National 2026 odds and specials.

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.