The biggest horse racing event on the UK and Ireland calendar takes place this Saturday, as Aintree Racecourse hosts the 2026 Grand National.
If you’ll be following the four-mile and two-furlong contest closely, read on for a look at the pre-race favourites with Sky Bet.
I Am Maximus
One of the best-backed thoroughbreds with Sky Bet is the Willie Mullins-trained I Am Maximus.
Although the ten-year-old doesn’t boast the strongest recent form, he has proven Aintree credentials, having won the 2024 Grand National by more than seven lengths from Delta Work.
He came close to defending his title in 2025 as well, finishing just two and a half lengths behind eventual winner Nick Rockett.
Sky Bet’s favourites for the 2026 Grand National: A closer look at the contenders & their form
Panic Attack
Unlike I Am Maximus, ten-year-old mare Panic Attack has been in excellent form leading into this year’s Grand National.
She has recorded four wins, a second, and a third across her last six starts, making her a horse to watch. Her three victories between November 2025 and January 2026 were particularly impressive, coming by a combined margin of more than 24 lengths.
Can she maintain that momentum and deliver Dan Skelton his first Grand National triumph? Only time will tell.
Grangeclare West
Another notable contender in the betting markets is fellow Willie Mullins-trained runner Grangeclare West.
Despite going more than two years without a win, the gelding arrives here off the back of an encouraging performance, having won by more than five lengths last time out against respected rival Gerri Colombe.
Can he build on that success and make it back-to-back wins on one of horse racing’s biggest stages? We will have to wait to find out.
Jagwar
Seven-year-old gelding Jagwar is tipped to challenge for the crown, with the runner among the five best-backed horses in the market according to Sky Bet.
Jagwar has been in consistent form of late, registering four wins, two seconds and two thirds across his last eight starts.
He also boasts a strong showing at Aintree, having finished second in his second career start there a few years back.
Iroko, Haiti Couleurs & Johnnywho
At the time of writing, the above three horses round out the six favourites in the market according to Sky Bet.
Iroko finished first past the post at Ascot in December, while Haiti Couleurs has won three of his last five starts.
Lastly, Johnnywho won the Ultima Handicap Chase by half a length at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
- All odds are correct at the time of publication
