Three Grand National 2026 Horses Withdraw as Final Line-Up Confirmed
Three horses have been withdrawn from the Grand National 2026, as the final line-up for the prestigious race at Aintree on Saturday, April 11, is officially confirmed. I Am Maximus, the 2024 winner, will attempt to secure his second Grand National victory in this highly anticipated event.
Withdrawals and Contenders
Nick Rockett, Pied Piper, and Spillane's Tower are the three horses that have pulled out of the race. Nick Rockett, who finished ahead of I Am Maximus in 2025, withdrew due to illness. Pied Piper, brought in as a replacement, was also forced to withdraw, while Spillane's Tower will not compete.
I Am Maximus, owned by JP McManus, triumphed by seven-and-a-half lengths in 2024 but was defeated by two-and-a-half lengths by Nick Rockett in 2025. This year, he returns with hopes of reclaiming the title.
Expert Predictions and Upset Potential
Sam Boswell of Sky Sports Racing has highlighted Montys Star, trained by Henry de Bromhead, as a potential upset winner. "My first selection is Monty's Star," Boswell stated. "Although his last win was in December 2023, he has been competing at a high level recently. His performance at the Dublin Racing Festival was decent, and de Bromhead's strong record in this race makes him a compelling choice."
Boswell also mentioned Oscar's Brother, trained by Connor King and owned by JP McManus, as another contender. "Oscar's Brother has shown consistent improvement and performed well at Cheltenham. The longer distance could benefit him significantly," he added.
His third pick is Captain Cody, who previously won the Scottish National. "Captain Cody seems well-suited for the Grand National distance and has been prepared specifically for this race since last year. If he finds his rhythm early, he stands a good chance," Boswell explained.
Race Details and Conditions
The Grand National 2026 is scheduled to start at 4pm. Runners will navigate 30 challenging fences, including Becher's Brook, The Chair, and Canal Turn, over a distance of four and a quarter miles.
Weather forecasts predict rain on Friday night and throughout Saturday, with temperatures peaking at 11°C. The ground is expected to be good to soft, which could influence race strategies and outcomes.
As the final line-up is set, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable edition of the Grand National, with I Am Maximus leading the charge and dark horses like Montys Star poised to make their mark.



