Grand National 2026 - Willie Mullins Eyes History With Record-Equalling Bid
Willie Mullins is gearing up for another crack at Grand National glory - and this time, history is firmly within reach.
The master trainer from Closutton will head to Aintree chasing a third consecutive National victory, something no trainer has managed in the modern era.
Land that, and he equals the record of four wins held by the legendary Ginger McCain.
Mullins' love affair with the National began in 2005, when Hedgehunter stormed home at Aintree.
Fast forward to 2024, and I Am Maximus put on a masterclass, winning by seven and a half lengths.
Then came 2025 - arguably the most jaw-dropping display of dominance the race has ever seen.
Nick Rockett, a 33/1 shot ridden by Mullins' son Patrick, led home a stunning one-two-three for the yard, with I Am Maximus running second and Grangeclare West filling third.
Four of the first five home were trained by Mullins - a staggering achievement.
What Can We Expect This Year?
Buckle up, because Mullins could saddle up to ten runners in a 34-horse field - that's nearly a third of the entire race from one stable.
Assistant trainer David Casey has been talking up the likely squad, naming Nick Rockett, Grangeclare West, I Am Maximus, Captain Cody, High Class Hero, Lecky Watson, and Quai De Bourbon as horses in the mix.
When pressed for his personal pick, Casey didn't hesitate: "I Am Maximus definitely has to be in the mix. He's probably had a stronger preparation this year."
The market agrees - I Am Maximus is heading the betting, and his class at ten years old remains undeniable.
Keep a close eye on Grangeclare West though - he won the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February, the same trial that both I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett used as a National springboard.
And Paul Townend, Mullins' number one jockey, has opted to partner him, which tells you plenty.
Nick Rockett faces a fitness question after injury, but remains am eye-catching each-way shout at 20/1 if he lines up at Aintree.
The record Mullins is chasing belongs to Ginger McCain - who trained Red Rum to three National wins (1973, 1974, 1977) before an extraordinary fourth with Amberleigh House in 2004.
Equalling that would put Mullins in the very top tier of Aintree legends.
Not that he needs much more to cement his genius.
Over 121 Cheltenham Festival winners, 19 Irish champion trainer titles, and back-to-back domination of Aintree's showpiece - Mullins has rewritten the rulebook on what's possible in jump racing.
The Grand National, with its chaos and carnage over four miles and thirty fences, is the one race that's supposed to level the playing field.
Mullins hasn't read that memo.
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