The Grand National, the world’s premier steeplechase, draws near at Aintree Racecourse. The festival runs from April 9 to 11, with the main event set for Saturday at 4 p.m. Final entries remain pending, but five horses lead the ante-post betting markets: Grangeclare West, I Am Maximus, Iroko, Jagwar, and Haiti Couleurs.
Standout Contenders
Grangeclare West finished third in the 2025 edition and recently won the Bobbyjo Chase, a key trial race. I Am Maximus triumphed in 2024 and placed second behind Nick Rockett last year. Despite carrying top weight, the horse excels over Aintree’s challenging fences.
Iroko secured fourth place in 2025 and has undergone targeted preparation, highlighted by a strong Ascot victory. Youngster Jagwar garners strong punter support early on, while Haiti Couleurs brings proven stamina as a past winner of the Irish and Welsh Grand Nationals.
Upcoming Milestones
The second scratchings deadline arrives Tuesday, March 24, trimming the field toward the 34-runner limit. Five-day confirmations follow on April 6, with final declarations on April 8 locking in the lineup.
Current Ante-Post Odds (bet365)
- I Am Maximus: 10/1
- Grangeclare West: 10/1
- Haiti Couleurs: 12/1
- Jagwar: 12/1
- Iroko: 12/1
- Nick Rockett: 20/1
- Gerri Colombe: 20/1
- Monty’s Star: 20/1
- Oscars Brother: 25/1
- Captain Cody: 25/1
- Jordans: 28/1
- Spillane’s Tower: 33/1
- Favori De Champdou: 33/1
- Stellar Story: 33/1
- Gorgeous Tom: 33/1
- Quai De Bourbon: 33/1
- Three Card Brag: 40/1
- Banbridge: 50/1
- Firefox: 50/1
- Spanish Harlem: 50/1
- Gentlemansgame: 50/1
- Lecky Watson: 50/1
- Western Fold: 50/1
- Better Days Ahead: 50/1
- Perceval Legallois: 50/1
- Answer To Kayf: 50/1
- High Class Hero: 66/1
- Champ Kiely: 80/1
- Mr Vango: 80/1
- L’Homme Presse: 100/1
- Handstands: 100/1
- Beauport: 100/1
- French Dynamite: 100/1
- The Real Whacker: 100/1
