Grand National weights revealed as I Am Maximus tops list

The weights for the Grand National 2026 running on 11th April has been revealed which has given the Willie Mullins-trained I Am Maximus the top-weight at Aintree.

This announcement of the weights also comes soon after as Mullins’ Appreciate It was ruled out of the National after retiring.

Getty

Getty

The most notable result to come from the weights being announced is that last year’s second placed I Am Maximus is the top weight, compared to last year’s winner Nick Rockett being rated 1lb below.

The JP McManus-owned star has placed ninth, second and fifth since the Grand National while Nick Rockett as yet to feature since.

The nine-year-old was a non-runner at Punchestown’s Grade 1 John Durkan with a temperature and has yet to be able to get back on the track.

If he remains unraced he won’t be able to qualify for the Grand National in April, leaving Banbridge to be the only horse carrying 11st 11lb.

Grand National weights announced

1. I Am Maximus – 11st 12lb
2. Nick Rockett – 11st 11lb
3. Banbridge – 11st 11lb
4. Haiti Couleurs – 11st 10lb
5. Grey Dawning – 11st 10lb
6. Grangeclare West – 11st 10lb
7. Gerri Colombe – 11st 10lb
8. Spillane’s Tower – 11st 8lb
9. L’Homme Presse – 11st 8lb
10. Impaire Et Passe – 11st 5lb
11. Firefox – 11st 4lb
12. Spanish Harlem – 11st 3lb
13. Gentlemansgame – 11st 3lb
14. Monty’s Star – 11st 3lb
15. Lecky Watson – 11st 2lb
16. Western Fold 11st 1lb
17. Iroko 11st 1lb
18. Flooring Porter – 11st 1lb
19. Favori De Champdou – 11st 1lb
20. Champ Kiely – 11st 1lb
21. Three Card Brag – 11st
22. Oscars Brother – 10st 13lb
23. Handstands – 10st 13lb
24. Mr Vango – 10st 12lb
25. Stellar Story – 10st 11lb
26. Resplendent Grey – 10st 11lb
27. Ile Atlantique – 10st 11lb
28. High Class Hero – 10st 11lb
29. Better Days Ahead – 10st 11lb
30. Beauport – 10st 11lb
31. Jagwar – 10st 10lb
32. French Dynamite – 10st 10lb
33. Captain Cody – 10st 10lb
34. The Real Whacker – 10st 9lb
35. Quai De Bourbon – 10st 9lb
36. Perceval Legallois – 10st 9lb
37. Gorgeous Tom – 10st 9lb
38. Jordans – 10st 8lb
39. Croke Park – 10st 8lb
40. Answer To Kayf – 10st 8lb

Of course there’s still plenty of time for things to change with the Grand National runners, there’s still 78 runners in line which will need to be whittle down to 34 come the final declarations on 8th April.

Iroko, also owned by McManus, is the big favourite by a long way going into this as he’s well-weighted to make it tougher for the higher rated sorts of I Am Maximus and Haiti Couleurs, who are next in line in the betting at around 12’s and 14’s.

The Grand National has gone through some changes over the years, the biggest being the drop from 40 runners to 34.

This year the final field will be confirmed 72 hours in advance as opposed to 48 hours as had previously been the case.

However, there is a concern from many that this could well increase in an increase in non-runners.

But as reserves can be brought into the Grand National up to 1pm the day prior, this should omit that problem.

ability over fences already after just five chases.

Key dates for Grand National 2026

The following are the next stages for the 2026 renewal at Aintree scheduled for 11th April at 4pm.

• February 11: Weights announced.
• March 3: First scratchings deadline (12pm)
• March 24: Secon scratchings deadline (12pm)
• April 6: Final confirmations (12pm)
• April 8: Final declarations (10am)

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