Grand National 2026 - 55 Horses Left In After Latest Forfeit Stage
The 2026 Grand National field is taking shape.
Following Tuesday's forfeit stage, 55 horses remain in contention for the Aintree showpiece on Saturday 11 April - down from 69 after 14 were scratched.
Mullins Dominates the Entries
It's no surprise to see Willie Mullins at the top of the entries list.
The Irish and British champion trainer has a remarkable ten horses still in the mix, headed by the top two in the weights.
2024 winner I Am Maximus sits at the head of affairs on 11-12, with 2025 winner and stablemate Nick Rockett just behind him.
Nick Rockett was back in action at Down Royal last week, finishing third on his first run since last year's Aintree glory - encouraging enough to keep connections pointed firmly towards a repeat bid.
Mullins' potential strongest contender, however, is Grangeclare West, currently the antepost favourite.
He also currently has entered Captain Cody, Lecky Watson, Spanish Harlem, Champ Kiely, High Class Hero, Quai De Bourbon, and Shanbally Kid.
A Formidable JP McManus Team
Owner JP McManus has assembled one of the most powerful Grand National squads in recent memory.
His principal contenders include Iroko and Jagwar - both trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero - alongside Cheltenham Festival Ultima winner Johnnywho, trained by Jonjo & AJ O'Neill, the novice Oscars Brother, trained by Connor King, and the classy Spillane's Tower, trained by Jimmy Mangan.
All five are prominent in the antepost market.
Other Leading Players
Rebecca Curtis relies on Haiti Couleurs, who was the antepost favourite before a disappointing Cheltenham Gold Cup run saw his price drift.
Henry de Bromhead has left in Monty's Star and Gorgeous Tom as his main hopes, plus Amirite, Harry Des Ongrais and The Short Go further down the weights.
Gordon Elliott could saddle Favori De Champdou and Gerri Colombe, while there's an interesting decision to be made by Gavin Cromwell over Final Orders.
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase winner at the Cheltenham Festival has an alternative engagement in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.
The cut-off for the maximum 34-runner field currently sits at Dan Skelton's Panic Attack in 34th place.
Who Was Scratched?
The 14 horses removed at Tuesday's stage were: Better Days Ahead, Croke Park, Gentlemansgame, Grey Dawning, Handstands, Intense Raffles, Leave of Absence, Myretown, O'Moore Park, Pic Roc, Resplendent Grey, Search For Glory, Stolen Silver, and Western Fold.
Final declarations are confirmed on Wednesday, 8 April at 10am, when the field is capped at 34 runners.
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