The release of the weights for the Grand National is always one of the most anticipated moments in the racing betting calendar, and the 2026 edition is no different. Aintree’s famous marathon is the most democratic race in the sport in many ways, with the handicapper doing his best to give every horse an equal chance. History, however, tells a different story. Nine of the last 11 winners carried between 10st 5lbs and 11st 8lbs, which immediately gives punters a strong steer on where to focus their attention.
That trend rules out some big names at the top of the weights. I Am Maximus, the 2024 winner, carries top weight, while defending champion Nick Rockett has been allocated 11st 11lbs by the handicapper, putting both outside the range that trends favour. So, who does slot into that sweet spot? Here is a look at four horses worth watching.
Iroko (11st 1lb)
The most significant horse in the entire weights is arguably Iroko. He heads the ante-post market as favourite and ran a fine race in the 2025 renewal, finishing fourth. Favourites have a mixed record in the National, but a horse of his quality carrying a weight that fits the historic profile is a compelling combination. Connections will be quietly confident that he can go one better this time around.
Monty’s Star (11st 3lb)
Henry de Bromhead knows exactly how to win a Grand National, having saddled Minella Times to victory in 2021. Monty’s Star represents another serious chance for the County Tipperary trainer. The horse was fourth in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup and is rarely disgraced when competing at the top level of the sport. A horse that holds its own in Grade 1 company and falls comfortably within the weight range that history favours is one that deserves plenty of respect.
Panic Attack (10st 5lbs)
Right at the bottom of the ideal weight range sits Panic Attack, and she could be one of the most interesting runners in the field. The mare has been classy throughout this campaign, and a victory would represent a landmark moment for trainer Dan Skelton, who is yet to win the National.
Beyond the personal milestone, a win would also put him in a strong position to claim his maiden British Trainers’ Championship. The one cloud on the horizon is that no mare has won the race since the 1950s, a barrier that has stood for decades despite some strong female challengers. Whether Panic Attack can rewrite that particular piece of history remains to be seen.
Captain Cody (10st 10lbs)
No preview of this race would be complete without a Willie Mullins contender. The master of Closutton endured a long drought in the National but has now won the last two renewals in succession, and he saddles Captain Cody as one of his leading hopes this year.
The horse won the Scottish Grand National at Ayr last year under Harry Cobden, which is exactly the kind of form that translates well to Aintree. Mullins knows better than anyone how to prepare a horse for the unique demands of the race, and with Grand National odds likely to shorten considerably for his runners as the day approaches, Captain Cody is one to keep very much onside.
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With the weights now set, the picture for April is beginning to take shape. The four horses above all sit within the range that history suggests offers the best chance of glory, and each carries a compelling case for why they could be celebrating on the Aintree run-in.
