The 2026 Randox Grand National weights were revealed at the traditional Weights Lunch held at St George’s Hall in Liverpool city centre on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The event brought together trainers, owners, former jockeys, and local celebrities to see the final handicapping work of British Horseracing Authority Senior Jumps handicapper Martin Greenwood. This marks the eighth year Greenwood has framed the handicap for the prestigious Aintree steeplechase, which carries a prize fund of £1 million.

Top Weight Holders and Trainer Reactions

Last year’s winner Nick Rockett and 2024 champion I Am Maximus are both set to carry the top weight of 11st 12lb for the Grand National 2026. Iroko, who finished fourth in the 2025 race, is currently the ante-post favourite at 7-1 with bookmakers bet365 and BetVictor and will carry 11st 1lb. This year’s entry count stands at 75, a significant drop from previous years.

Patrick Mullins, the son and assistant trainer to Willie Mullins, shared his thoughts on I Am Maximus: ‘He ran a blinder last year off top weight, but he missed his third run that year and maybe that told in the final furlong or so. It looks this year like we may be able to get a third run into him, which I think will be a big help.’

Nick Rockett’s trainer expressed satisfaction with the weight assigned to the champion: ‘We have no complaints with his weight. We haven’t had a clear run with him and he had an over-reach before the John Durkan. He then had a setback just before Christmas, so we’re behind where we want to be.’

Other Key Entries and Trainer Comments

Grangeclare West, carrying 11st 10lb, was noted for his strong finish last year despite initial struggles. His trainer stated, ‘It was funny because he looked beaten before the last and then he made that mistake and then ran on really well at the end. Perhaps I Am Maximus was tying up and Nick Rockett was idling, but I think he has to have a shout.’

Impaire Et Passe, at 11st 5lb, had a setback at the start of the season but bounced back with a win at Gowran Park. His trainer suggested he may compete in races on the Mildmay Course. Spanish Harlem, carrying 11st 3lb, was described as a horse trained specifically for the Grand National 2026 by his owners.

Lecky Watson, with a weight of 11st 2lb, was highlighted as a Grade One winner who may not have been at his best this season. His trainer remarked, ‘He’s a Grade One winner and hasn’t sparked this year. His jumping can be untidy but I think he’s got a great weight for an unexposed Grade One winner.’

Upcoming Challenges and Strategies

Champ Kiely, who carries 11st 1lb, had a setback at Christmas and was recently spotted in the Irish Gold Cup. His trainer noted, ‘He caught my eye at the DRF when seventh in the Irish Gold Cup. I thought he was the only one to travel deep into the race behind all the big boys.’

High Class Hero, at 10st 11lb, was compared to Nick Rockett’s run in the Bet365 Gold Cup and is expected to perform well on good ground. Ile Atlantique, also at 10st 11lb, may compete in the Topham Chase if he qualifies. Captain Cody, with 10st 10lb, was praised for his win in the Scottish National.

Quai de Bourbon, who carries 10st 9lb, has struggled this season but may find his form on spring ground. His trainer suggested, ‘He might not have been enjoying the real heavy stuff and might need Spring ground. I think he could have brought Grade One-winning form to the table.’

Blizzard of Oz, at 10st 7lb, may be a challenge to qualify for the Grand National 2026 due to potential struggles with his jumping. Monty’s Star, at 11st 3lb, saw an unexpected increase in weight but remains a strong contender for both the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree.

Joint trainers Josh Guerriero spoke about Iroko and Jagwar, who carry 11st 1lb and 10st 10lb respectively. ‘We’re lucky to have them in the race. They both have the potential to be competitive in the Grand National 2026.’

As the countdown continues to the Grand National 2026, the weights assigned to each horse will play a crucial role in determining the race’s outcome. Trainers are now focusing on preparing their horses for the challenge at Aintree, where the course and conditions will be key factors in the final race.