When it comes to producing memorable moments, the Grand National is unrivalled in the sport of horse racing.

Some of the results of this race would not look out of place in Hollywood, and as with Bob Champion’s victory on Aldaniti in 1981, the storyline did make it into a film.

As we edge towards this year’s renewal of the world’s most famous steeplechase, here are some of the potential storylines to look out for.

Nick Rockett Bidding to Become Only Second Repeat Winner This Century

Winning the Grand National is no easy feat. Returning the following year to replicate that success is even tougher.

Only one horse – Tiger Roll – has been able to defend his crown in the race this century.

Last year’s winner, Nick Rockett, will have to defy the stats if he is to join the legendary chaser as a repeat winner. Those who place a horse race bet on the defending champion can get odds of 20/1 this year.

Given he is trained by the great Willie Mullins, Nick Rockett is likely to still be one of the leading horse racing tips for this year’s Grand National. He flourished over the bigger fences at Aintree in 2025, and he showed he has the stamina for the marathon trip.

The big concern for Nick Rockett's supporters is that his latest campaign has been hit by setbacks. He has been unable to have a prep run yet, but if anyone can get him to Aintree in peak condition, it is the British Champion Trainer.

Mullins and Elliott Looking for Record-Matching Fourth Win

Fred Rimell and Ginger McCain are two names ingrained in Grand National history. The two trainers hold the record for the most wins in the race, with four victories each.

Rimell prevailed with E.S.B. (1956), Nicolaus Silver (1961), Gay Trip (1970), and Rag Trade (1976), while McCain saddled Red Rum to three wins (1973, 1974, and 1977), as well as Amberleigh House (2004).

Mullins and Gordon Elliott both have the chance to join Rimell and McCain as four-time winners. The two leading Irish trainers have both made at least ten entries each for the 4m2f contest, so they will have heavy representation.

The last two winners of the race are both set to line up for Mullins, as he bids to make it a third straight win. He will also saddle the Scottish Grand National winner, with Captain Cody bidding to complete a Grand National double.

Elliott has not won the race since Tiger Roll’s second triumph in 2019. His leading hopes this year come with Gerri Colombe, Firefox, and Favori De Champdou.

It has been an excellent season so far for Elliott, who leads the Irish Champion Trainer standings. He will be hoping to cap off the season with success at the spring highlight.

Champion Jockey Sean Bowen Bidding for First Success

Sean Bowen has had the best 12 months of his career so far. Back in April, he was crowned Champion Jockey, lifting the trophy for the first time. Since then, he has continued his momentum, as he has already ridden 200 winners in the latest campaign.

Bowen is now targeting the biggest races in the sport. Prior to the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, he had not ridden a winner at the meeting. He also goes into the 2026 Grand National looking for his first success in the £1 million contest.

The Welshman will be optimistic about his chances this year as he looks set to partner Haiti Couleurs. The pair won the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow earlier this season. Since then, he has had a graded triumph, with victory coming in the Grade Two Denman Chase at Newbury.

Bowen now sets his eyes on some of the records set by Tony McCoy in his glittering career. If he can ride Haiti Couleurs to first place in the Grand National, it will ensure he joins some of the greats who have ridden the winner of the Aintree feature.

JP McManus Vying for More Grand National Glory

Owner JP McManus’ gold and green colours are one of the most recognisable silks in the sport. The leading Irish owner has had a lot of success in some of jump racing’s biggest races, including the Grand National, a contest he has won three times.

McManus has seven horses entered for Aintree race this year, including some of the leading contenders. Iroko, who finished fourth last year, is the 6/1 favourite in the betting, while just behind him is the 2024 winner, I Am Maximus, also owned by the Irishman.

Former Champion Jockey Harry Cobden was recently announced as McManus’ new retained jockey, and he may have a dilemma on his hands as to which horse to ride. If McManus gets the chance to run all seven of his horses, he will be responsible for at least a fifth of the field.

The 2026 Grand National remains at 4pm this year on Saturday, the 11th of April. It is set to be broadcast on ITV and on platforms around the world.

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