I Am Maximus heads a maximum field of 34 declared runners for the 2026 Randox Grand National at Aintree, aiming to become the first dual winner since Tiger Roll and emulate the legendary Red Rum. The 2024 victor, now sporting cheekpieces again, faces stiff competition including stablemate Nick Rockett, who finished second last year. Trainer Willie Mullins' stable features multiple contenders like Grangeclare West (third in 2025) and Spanish Harlem (owned by Randox sponsor Dr Peter Fitzgerald), alongside strong Irish challengers including Haiti Couleurs (seeking the Welsh-Irish-Aintree triple) and Jagwar (owned by JP McManus alongside I Am Maximus).

Ben Pauling's Twig, bought for £100 and ridden by owner Beau Morgan, offers a fairytale story but faces a tough task to improve on his 10th-place finish.