The two most recent Grand National champions, I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett, occupy the top positions in the confirmed entries for Saturday's prestigious Aintree showcase, with 49 horses remaining in contention for the world's most famous steeplechase.
Both horses represent champion trainer Willie Mullins, who has masterminded back-to-back victories in the race. I Am Maximus delivered a commanding performance in 2024, winning by seven and a half lengths for owner JP McManus, before Nick Rockett claimed glory under Patrick Mullins in 2025, finishing two and a half lengths ahead of his stablemate.
The field will be finalized when officials announce the final 34 runners plus four reserves on Wednesday, creating intense anticipation for connections currently positioned on the borderline.
JP McManus, already a three-time Grand National winner, aims to establish a new record with his fourth victory in the race. His powerful string includes promising contenders Iroko and Jagwar, both prepared by the Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero partnership. Following recent withdrawals at the five-day declaration stage, Johnnywho has also secured his place in the field for the renowned owner.
Historic Opportunities Await
I Am Maximus faces a significant historical challenge as he attempts to become the first horse since the legendary Red Rum in the 1970s to triumph while carrying top weight. Meanwhile, Nick Rockett pursues an equally impressive milestone, seeking to emulate Tiger Roll's consecutive victories of 2018 and 2019—a feat last achieved by Red Rum himself.
The race is scheduled for Saturday, April 11th at 16:00 BST, with comprehensive coverage planned across BBC platforms. BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds will provide full race commentary and reaction, while live text coverage of all Saturday's races will be available on the BBC Sport website and app. Additionally, 5 Sports Extra will broadcast commentary of Friday's supporting races between 14:00-16:15 BST.
Field Takes Shape After Withdrawals
Monday's withdrawal deadline saw several notable departures, including L'Homme Presse, French Dynamite, and Now Is The Hour, alongside three other horses positioned below the qualification line.
Willie Mullins maintains his dominant presence with nine guaranteed runners. His formidable squad extends beyond the defending champions to include last year's third-place finisher Grangeclare West, plus Spanish Harlem, Lecky Watson, Champ Kiely, High Class Hero, Captain Cody, and Quai De Bourbon.
Gordon Elliott, who has also claimed three Grand National victories, fields five entries headed by Gerri Colombe, Firefox, and Favori De Champdou. The latter suffered disappointment as the beaten favorite in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, making this an opportunity for redemption. Elliott's Pied Piper currently occupies 35th position and requires just one more withdrawal to secure participation.
Training Powerhouses Represented
Ben Pauling's Twig rounds out the guaranteed starters, though uncertainty surrounds Spillane's Tower, whose owner indicated on RTE Sunday that Thursday's Aintree Bowl remains the preferred target despite maintaining the Grand National entry.
Firefox adds intrigue by holding a dual entry in Friday's Topham Chase over the same Grand National fences, creating tactical decisions for connections.
Henry de Bromhead, who achieved Grand National glory in 2021 with Rachael Blackmore aboard Minella Times, saddles both Monty's Star and Gorgeous Tom for this year's renewal.
Gavin Cromwell trains two compelling entries: Perceval Legallois, who fell in last year's race, and Final Orders, fresh from Cheltenham Festival success.
Championship Implications and Historical Connections
Dan Skelton will rely on mare Panic Attack as he approaches a potential first UK trainers' championship title, adding extra significance to his Grand National participation.
The Twiston-Davies family brings historical resonance through Beauport, who will carry the colors of Bryan and Philippa Burrough. This connection honors their 1983 winner Corbiere, which provided Jenny Pitman's groundbreaking triumph as the first female trainer to claim Grand National victory.
Nigel Twiston-Davies, a two-time Grand National winner in 1998 and 2022, also prepares Top of the Bill, who moved into contention following Monday's withdrawals.
Notably absent from this year's field are entries from fourteen-time British champion Paul Nicholls, while Nicky Henderson, still seeking his first Grand National victory, appears unlikely to be represented with Hyland currently positioned 41st on the entry list.
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