Grand National 2026: I Am Maximus Tops the Weights Again

The stage is set for this year’s Randox Grand National and the latest weights have been revealed. Once again, it’s I Am Maximus who leads the way, carrying top weight of 11st 12lb for the second year in a row. The Willie Mullins-trained star won the race in 2024 and finished second last year, proving he remains a force to be reckoned with.

Nick Rockett, who led home five of Mullins’ horses in last year’s race, is joint-second in the weights at 11st 11lb alongside Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge. Both horses bring solid form into the race and will be among the contenders to watch when the festival kicks off.

Martin Greenwood, the BHA handicapper, praised the quality of the field this year. “Although entries are slightly down overall, the bottom end of the weights shows that trainers are realistic about their chances,” he said. “I Am Maximus is only 1lb higher than last year and if he wins again, it would be one of the highest marks a horse has won off in modern Grand National history.”

The entries include a total of 76 horses, with ante-post favourite Iroko given 11st 1lb. Trainer Josh Guerriero commented that the horse has improved in training and is in great form, although he hopes for softer ground on race day.

Top 34 Weights for the 2026 Grand National

Here’s a closer look at the full top 34:

1. I Am Maximus – 11st 12lb
2. Banbridge – 11st 11lb
3. Nick Rockett – 11st 11lb
4. Gerri Colombe – 11st 10lb
5. Grangeclare West – 11st 10lb
6. Grey Dawning – 11st 10lb
7. Haiti Couleurs – 11st 10lb
8. L’Homme Presse – 11st 8lb
9. Spillane’s Tower – 11st 8lb
10. Impaire Et Passe – 11st 5lb
11. Appreciate It – 11st 4lb
12. Firefox – 11st 4lb
13. Gentlemansgame – 11st 3lb
14. Monty’s Star – 11st 3lb
15. Spanish Harlem – 11st 3lb
16. Lecky Watson – 11st 2lb
17. Champ Kiely – 11st 1lb
18. Favori De Champdou – 11st 1lb
19. Flooring Porter – 11st 1lb
20. Iroko – 11st 1lb
21. Western Fold – 11st 1lb
22. Three Card Brag – 11st
23. Handstands – 10st 13lb
24. Oscars Brother – 10st 13lb
25. Mr Vango – 10st 12lb
26. Beauport – 10st 11lb
27. Better Days Ahead – 10st 11lb
28. High Class Hero – 10st 11lb
29. Ile Atlantique – 10st 11lb
30. Resplendent Grey – 10st 11lb
31. Stellar Story – 10st 11lb
32. Captain Cody – 10st 10lb
33. French Dynamite – 10st 10lb
34. Jagwar – 10st 10lb

For those following the betting markets, these weight announcements are always a major talking point. You can check out the Latest Grand National Odds to see how the weights have influenced the market and which horses are attracting the most attention.

Our experts have also analysed the field and shared their selections in our 2026 National Tips guide. Whether you’re backing a top-weight contender like I Am Maximus or looking for an outsider with potential, the tips cover a range of strategies to help you plan your bets ahead of the big day.

With Aintree just weeks away, this year’s Grand National promises plenty of drama. From experienced champions to rising stars, the field is shaping up for an exciting race. Keep an eye on the weights, form guides, and expert tips to make sure you’re ready when the horses go to post.