Willie Mullins’ relationship with the Grand National has evolved from near-misses to modern-day mastery. After waiting 19 years for a second success following Hedgehunter in 2005, the Closutton maestro has suddenly cracked the code at Aintree.
I Am Maximus delivered that long-awaited follow-up, and last year’s victory with Nick Rockett, ridden by his son Patrick, was both historic and deeply emotional. Now, Mullins is targeting an extraordinary third straight win and a record-equalling fourth overall, a prospect that has understandably sharpened interest in Grand National betting.
At the latest entries stage, Mullins had a formidable list of 15 possibles. Not all will make the final cut, but several stand out as genuine contenders. Here’s a closer look at the most prominent names.
I Am Maximus – 12/1
Defending a Grand National crown is one of the toughest tasks in the sport. Only Red Rum, The Lamb and Manifesto have managed it, and two of those successes came in the 19th century. If Mullins is to pull off the hat-trick, I Am Maximus looks his most obvious hope.
Now a 10-year-old, the JP McManus-owned gelding is the shortest-priced of Mullins’ entries at around 12/1. He finished a gallant second to Nick Rockett last year despite carrying top weight and racing off a mark 8lb higher than for his previous win. He’s been given top weight again, but he appears primed for another bold bid and has solid claims of going very close again.
Grangeclare West – 20/1
Improving on a previous Grand National effort is almost as rare as winning the race outright. Only Mon Mome, L’Escargot and Manifesto have managed to better an earlier placed finish. Grangeclare West will be aiming to add his name to that list after finishing an excellent third last year.
Now also 10, the Cheveley Park Stud runner has struggled to replicate that form since, including a heavy defeat in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown, where he trailed home some 74 lengths behind.
That downturn hasn’t eased pressure from the handicapper either, as Grangeclare West has been allocated 11st 10lb for this year’s renewal, up from 11st 8lb 12 months ago.
Nick Rockett – 20/1
Nick Rockett’s Grand National victory will live long in the memory. Beyond the fairytale father-and-son combination of Willie and Patrick Mullins, the story carried added poignancy due to the horse being purchased by the late Sadie Andrew, who sadly only saw him race once. Watching her husband, Stewart Andrew, celebrate at Aintree was one of the most emotional moments in recent National history.
The nine-year-old now bids to emulate dual winners such as Tiger Roll and Reynoldstown. The challenge is significant. He hasn’t been seen since his Aintree triumph and will shoulder the second heaviest burden after his stablemate, a task that very few manage to overcome. Still, in a race that often defies logic, writing him off would be brave, a point worth remembering when forming Grand National 2026 tips.
Lecky Watson – 22/1
Lecky Watson is perhaps the most intriguing of Mullins’ outsiders. He enjoyed a meteoric rise last season, completing a remarkable hat-trick that culminated in a 20/1 success in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. That rapid ascent took him from Beginners’ company to Grade 1 glory in a matter of months.
Since then, things haven’t gone to plan. A fall on his final start last season and a series of underwhelming efforts this term, including being pulled up in the Irish Gold Cup, suggest his limitations at the very top level. Dropping back into handicap company over the marathon National trip could, however, be just what he needs. Off a potentially lenient mark of 158, he’s one who could easily outrun his odds.
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Mullins’ depth for the Grand National is as strong as ever, blending proven Aintree performers with horses whose marks and profiles suggest there could be more to come. Whether it’s the class and resilience of I Am Maximus, the unfinished business of Grangeclare West, the romance of Nick Rockett, or the wildcard appeal of Lecky Watson, Closutton’s challenge looks formidable.
A third consecutive National win would be historic. Based on the strength of his entries alone, it’s a feat that feels far from impossible.
Article written by Dom Langley
