I Am Maximus, the 2024 Grand National winner, returns to Aintree on Saturday as the market leader for another attempt at the world’s most famous steeplechase. The field includes 34 runners, and the shape of the race is likely to be defined by stamina, jumping, and proven experience around Aintree’s unique fences.
Last year’s winner arrives with the strongest form at the top of the weights. He went close again 12 months ago when he pressed Nick Rockett all the way to the Elbow before eventually fading late on. That effort confirmed that his National victory in 2024 was not a one-off, even though he had shown little sign of that level in his two starts immediately beforehand.
This year’s preparation has also given supporters reasons to be optimistic. He finished second in a Grade One in December and followed that with a fifth-place run in the Irish Gold Cup. On pure handicapping terms, he may still have one or two to beat, and the race has not been kind to top-weighted winners for a long time. But Aintree form is often a decisive advantage, and he has already proved that he can handle the track and the test.
Another podium finish would not be a surprise, although the history books do not make life easy for horses carrying such a burden. No top-weight has won the Grand National since the 1970s, which is a significant obstacle even for a horse with proven class.
The race also includes another runner with an eye-catching background, though not one aimed at the Grand National itself. The horse in question has an impeccable pedigree, but one better associated with the Derby than with Aintree’s marathon chase.
The challenge of the 2026 Grand National
The Grand National remains a race where reputation can be rewritten in an instant. Previous form, course experience and fitness all matter, but the unique demands of the contest can make even the strongest favourites vulnerable. With 34 runners set to line up, there is plenty of scope for surprises.
I Am Maximus stands out because of both his course record and the quality of his recent runs. That combination makes him a leading contender once again, but the handicap, the weight and the depth of the field mean nothing will come easily. His supporters can point to his Aintree record and his proven ability to cope with pressure at the business end of the race.
Those factors are enough to make him the one to beat, even if the weights suggest a difficult task. He showed last year that he can be competitive at the very highest level over the Grand National fences, and his connections will be hopeful that another bold show is on the cards.
For the rest of the field, the race is likely to revolve around finding the right rhythm early and staying out of trouble at the obstacles that have ended so many hopes in the past. In a contest as demanding as this, a clean round of jumping can be just as valuable as raw class.
As ever, the Grand National brings together established stars, returning challengers and outsiders seeking to make their name on the biggest stage. With the 2024 winner heading the weights, the 2026 running has all the ingredients for another compelling renewal at Aintree.
