Nick Rockett Leads the Grand National 2026 Odds, But Can He Win Back-to-Back Grand Nationals?

As the well-worn turf at Aintree begins to stir, the early ante-post betting market for the 2026 Grand National has a clear headline act: Nick Rockett.

The 2025 champion, who triumphed at odds of 33/1, now heads the betting for the 178th renewal, positioning himself as the rider to beat once more.

Nick Rockett burst into the public consciousness with a stunning Grand National victory on 5 April 2025, when he surged ahead at the final fence to defeat the 2024 winner, I Am Maximus, by approximately two and a half lengths.

Trained by the legendary Willie Mullins and ridden by his amateur jockey son Patrick Mullins, the win capped off a dominant showing by the Mullins yard, which claimed the first three places.

But now, as bookmakers reset the market for 2026, he appears among the favourites.

Comparatively, bookies like Betway have him alongside Haiti Couleurs as an early frontrunner, sharing top billing with odds similarly in that range.

Retaining the Grand National Crown

Winning the Grand National once is a monumental task with the eclectic field, stamina test, and 30 challenging fences all conspiring to create horse racing’s ultimate leveller.

Retaining the crown? That’s a near-impossible feat. Historical records show that only six horses have ever won back-to-back Nationals, the most recent being Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019.

So, while Rockett’s market position reflects bookmakers’ respect for his form and training group, it also carries the weight of a statistical improbability.

The Grand National often defies even its most trusted ante-post favourites, and winning consecutive renewals, as Nick Rockett is aiming for, remains exceptionally rare.

2026 Odds Landscape

The ante-post market for the 2026 Grand National is already shaping into a fascinating contest, with several names drawing plenty of attention alongside Nick Rockett.

Haiti Couleurs – Sitting near the head of the market at around 16/1, this French-bred chaser has shown stamina in abundance. His ability to stay on strongly in testing ground suggests he could thrive over Aintree’s marathon trip.

Iroko – The 2025 favourite finished a respectable fourth, giving him valuable experience of the big fences. Still only eight, he looks the type to improve again, and his connections believe there’s more to come.

I Am Maximus – Winner of the 2024 renewal and second to Rockett in 2025, his record at Aintree speaks for itself. He has the class, jumping technique, and staying power to mount another serious challenge.

Grangeclare West – A horse with bags of potential, he already made a name for himself by finishing in 3rd place in 2025. He clearly took to the Aintree fences, and his proven class could make him a dangerous opponent in 2026.

Jagwar – Lightly raced but full of promise, Jagwar has built a reputation as a consistent jumper with a strong turn of foot, winning the Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in March. His profile suggests he could be the type to spring a surprise.

Myretown – From trainer Lucinda Russell, Myretown has been progressing steadily and finished the season by winning the Ultima at Cheltenham. If he continues his upward curve, he may arrive at Aintree as a well-handicapped contender capable of running into the frame.

So while Rockett remains a headline act, he’s far from unopposed. In fact, the early market suggests an exceptionally open contest, with multiple runners clustered in that 20/1–25/1 corridor.

What Makes Rockett a Live Contender?

Nick Rockett has several qualities that make him a strong candidate to defend his Grand National crown.

For one, he has already proven himself over Aintree’s famous fences, showing he has both the stamina and jumping ability needed to handle the course and the long run-in that has undone many contenders in the past.

He also has the advantage of being in the hands of Willie Mullins, whose record in major races speaks for itself, and Patrick Mullins, who has already guided Rockett to National glory.

On top of that, Rockett heads into the new season with momentum, having picked up notable wins in the Thyestes Chase and the Bobbyjo Chase in 2025, form that suggests he is still on an upward curve.

Yet history shows that a repeat victory at Aintree is never straightforward. The most immediate challenge Rockett will face is the handicapper, with a defending champion almost certain to be burdened with extra weight.

That alone can be a decisive factor over such a long and demanding trip. Then there is the weight of history itself: back-to-back winners are incredibly rare, with only a handful of horses ever achieving the feat.

Finally, Rockett’s rivals will be waiting. Haiti Couleurs, I Am Maximus, Jagwar and Iroko all look capable of putting up a serious fight, while younger, improving types may well emerge between now and April to further complicate matters.

The Betting Narrative

Let’s get nuanced here: Nick Rockett’s emergence as a betting favourite speaks volumes about betting psychology as much as sporting merit. The lure of a defending champion draws action, and yet the Grand National has long punished over-sentimental backers.

Favourites seldom win, and longshots frequently delight – remember Mon Mome at 100/1 in 2009, or Auroras Encore at 66/1 in 2013?

Indeed, the most consistent winners in the past decade have hovered in the 10/1 to 16/1 range, which is long enough to offer value, but not so long as to signal a fluke victory.

If Nick Rockett’s odds settle around 25/1, he may offer value considering his proven record, while still appropriately reflecting the uphill challenge of repeating.

Betting with Respect But Not Expectation

Nick Rockett’s position atop the early betting odds for the 2026 Grand National is no surprise; he’s earned it with his 2025 victory and strong seasonal form.

But as jockeys, trainers, and punters know, the Grand National is defined by its unrelenting capacity to surprise.

Can he achieve the almost mythical feat of a back-to-back win? In a word: unlikely. But impossible? No
A savvy backer may view him as a compelling “each-way” claim, one that is strong enough to win, but also at a price that rewards placing.

As April 2026 edges closer, keep a close watch on his handicap rating, whether he flexes again in trials, and how the market adjusts.

In the 178th Grand National, Nick Rockett is certainly plotting a return, but for him to leap into racing legend, he’ll have to defy form, history, and expectation all at once. And that’s exactly what makes Aintree April so magical.