Joe Norris 2026 Aintree Grand National Preview (Saturday 11th April 2026)

The Randox Grand National is the race that captures the imagination like no other. Everyone wants to find the winner and every staying chaser is judged on whether they can handle the unique test of four miles and the famous Aintree fences.

From legends like Red Rum and Tiger Roll to more recent winners such as Noble Yeats and I Am Maximus, the roll of honour is stacked with iconic names.

The 2026 renewal looks another fascinating contest with a huge field set to go to post, and as always it’s a race where plenty hold chances. It’s rarely straightforward and that’s what makes it such a brilliant betting heat.

A case can be made for a handful at the top of the market and a few at bigger prices also appeal with all the extra places on offer.

My quick picks for the Randox Grand National

• I Am Maximus – 7/1 Boylesports
• Johnnywho – 12/1 Betfred
• Haiti Couleurs – 20/1 WilliamHill
• Imperial Saint – 66/1 bet365

Aintree 4.00 Randox Grand National – Key stats and trends

Age

• 10 of the last 12 winners were aged between 7 and 9
• 9 of the last 10 winners were aged 8 or 9
• Only 3 of the last 20 winners were aged 11 or older

Price

• 3 of the last 6 winners were sent off 10/1 or shorter
• 6 of the last 12 winners were 16/1 or shorter
• Only 4 winners since 2013 have been bigger than 25/1

Form

• 10 of the last 12 winners had finished in the top 4 on their previous start
• 9 of the last 12 winners had won over at least 3 miles before
• 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 10 previous chase runs

Rating

• 10 of the last 12 winners were rated between 145 and 159
• 7 of the last 12 winners were rated 150 or higher
• Only 1 winner since 2010 was rated above 165

Other pointers

• 9 of the last 12 winners carried 11-5 or less
• 10 of the last 12 winners had run at least three times that season
• 8 of the last 10 winners had previous experience in a race of 3m5f+
• 7 of the last 9 winners had run in a Grade 1, 2 or 3 chase

Randox Grand National preview & tips

The Grand National is unlike any other race in the calendar. It’s not just about class, it’s about stamina, jumping and a huge slice of luck in running. With 30+ runners charging over unique fences, you need a horse who can travel, jump and still be there when it matters most.

I AM MAXIMUS has to be respected again given his record in the race. He won the Grand National in 2024 and backed that up with another excellent run when finishing second last year, which shows just how well suited he is to this unique test.

He stays strongly, jumps well enough and clearly handles the demands of Aintree. If he gets into a rhythm again, it’s easy to see him being right in the mix from a long way out under Paul Townend.

JOHNNYWHO is another who looks to have been laid out for a race like this. He’s still relatively unexposed over staying trips and shapes like this sort of test could bring out further improvement.

He travels well and if he can conserve enough energy early, he could be one of those creeping into it late. He is starting to get backed in the market too and I can see that sustaining right up to post time – he could be one of the gambles of the race.

Each way angle?

At bigger prices both HAITI COULEURS and IMPERIAL SAINT make plenty of appeal. The former looks a thorough stayer who should relish every yard of this trip and in a race where stamina is key, he could keep finding when others have cried enough.

IMPERIAL SAINT has just snuck in with Nick Rockett being a non runner and is just the type who could outrun his odds if getting into a good rhythm early.

These races often throw up a surprise and he looks the sort who could sneak into the frame at a big price.

My picks:

1. I AM MAXIMUS

• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Form: 1-3124-22441-14311-PU82-925
• Age: 10
• Weight: 11-12

Bet on I AM MAXIMUS to win the Randox Grand National at 7/1 with Boylesports

2. JOHNNYWHO

• Trainer: Jonjo & A J O’Neill
• Form: 1-14484-133325-5351
• Age: 9
• Weight: 10-4

Bet on JOHNNYWHO to win the Randox Grand National at 12/1 with Betfred

3. HAITI COULEURS

• Trainer: Rebecca Curtis
• Form: 22411-211-311-1PU11PU
• Age: 9
• Weight: 11-10

Bet on HAITI COULEURS to win the Randox Grand National at 20/1 with William Hill

4. IMPERIAL SAINT

• Trainer: Phillip Hobbs & J White
• Form: 12331-1171342-5618
• Age: 8
• Weight: 10-2

Bet on IMPERIAL SAINT to win the Randox Grand National at 66/1 with bet365

Last 12 winners of the Randox Grand National

There was no race in 2020 due to COVID-19.

About the author

Joe Norris

I’m Joe Norris, co-founder and Director of GetYourTipsOut (GYTO), which I launched in 2009 to provide daily sports betting tips, with the main focus on horse racing. Over the years, I’ve earned a reputation for offering reliable and profitable tips, which led to being named “Best Sports Betting Tipster” in 2023. Alongside my work at GYTO, I also contribute predictions to platforms like Oddschecker, allowing me to share my insights with a wide community of sports enthusiasts and bettors.

Find Joe on X: @JoeNorrisGYTO

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