Grand National: Jockeys' silks explained

In the 2026 Grand National, famous owner JP McManus runs several horses in his well-known gold and green-striped colours; I Am Maximus (the winner of the 2024 renewal), Jaguar, Iroko, Johnnywho, Oscars Brother, Spillane’s Tower and Perceval Legallois. Each of these, if declared, will carry a different coloured hat silk. 

JP McManus is a good example of a ‘prominent connection’ - an owner with an extensive stable of top quality horses who are successful in high level races, such as the Grand National. Other silks denoting similar owner gravitas are those carried by Grangeclare West, who represents Cheveley Park Stud, Stellar Story, Favori De Champdou and Quair De Bourbon, who run for Gigginstown Stud, and Gerri Colombe, who carries the Robcour silks. 

Silks such as these do not necessarily mean the horse has ability, but they can be a good indicator as to what might be a useful horse, particularly when they are young. 

The Grand National, though, is a famously hard to predict race and, for that reason, punters who have sided with a horse carrying their favourite or lucky colour have been successful in the past. With a large field of 34 horses, over four miles to travel and 30 fences to clear, anything can happen and you just might be in luck.

View the Grand National 2026 odds and specials.

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.