I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett, both trained by Willie Mullins, lead the confirmed field for Saturday’s Grand National at Aintree. The 2024 winner, owned by JP McManus, triumphed by seven and a half lengths, while last year’s champion finished two and a half behind. Together they carry the top weights for the 2026 renewal.

McManus eyes a record fourth victory, lining up Iroko and Jagwar trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero. Johnnywho has also secured a start after five‑day withdrawals. I Am Maximus aims to become the first horse since Red Rum in the 1970s to win while carrying top weight.

Mullins’ dominance continues with nine guaranteed runners, including last year’s third‑placed Grangeclare West, Spanish Harlem, Lecky Watson, Champ Kiely, High Class Hero, Captain Cody and Quai De Bourbon. Gordon Elliott fields five horses, while Ben Pauling’s Twig and Henry de Bromhead’s Monty’s Star join the mix. The field is set to be a mainly Irish affair.

With four reserves still unconfirmed and withdrawals from L’Homme Presse, French Dynamite and Now Is The Hour, the final 34‑horse lineup will shape the race’s competitive balance. Fans will watch as the top weights test their stamina over Aintree’s iconic fences, a contest already steeped in history.