Why Irish Horses Dominate the Grand National — and What It Means for 2026

Four of the last five Grand National winners were trained in Ireland. I Am Maximus won for Willie Mullins in 2024. Nick Rockett won for Willie Mullins in 2025. Corach Rambler was trained by Lucinda Russell but the preceding winners and the overall pattern of Irish dominance in the race is unmistakable. This is not coincidence. There are specific, explainable reasons why Irish-trained horses have gained such a consistent edge at Aintree — and understanding them helps identify which horses in Saturday's field are best positioned to continue the trend. The Stamina Factor Irish jump racing puts a premium on stamina that British jump racing does not match to the same degree. The Irish programme includes the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, the Dublin Racing Festival, Cheltenham and a string of staying Grade 1 and Grade 2 races over three miles and further. Horses that have come through the Irish system and competed at Leopardstown, Punchestown and Fairyhouse over proper staying distances arrive at Aintree with a stamina profile tested more thoroughly than most of their British rivals. The Grand National is ultimately a stamina test. Four miles two and a half furlongs over 30 unique fences is a race that eliminates horses without the reserves to sustain effort over the full journey. Irish horses arrive with those reserves more consistently developed. The Mullins Effect Willie Mullins has transformed the Grand National from a race the Irish occasionally won into a race they now expect to win. His operation at Closutton processes horses through a systematic programme that identifies staying chasers with Aintree profiles early in their careers and targets the race months in advance. I Am Maximus was targeted at the 2024 National from the previous autumn. Nick Rockett was prepared with the same precision. Both won. The preparation model is repeatable, not lucky. Mullins has multiple entries for Saturday's race. The horse he runs with Paul Townend on board — confirmed at Wednesday's declarations — is the one the operation has decided gives them the best chance of a third successive Aintree win. The Gordon Elliott Factor Gordon Elliott has won the Grand National three times. He is leading the Irish trainers championship this season and has been explicit that the Grand National is one of his priority targets. His horses arrive at Aintree having been prepared through a programme designed specifically for the race. Elliott does not enter horses in the Grand National casually. His declarations on Wednesday will confirm which runners he considers capable of winning. The 2026 Outlook I Am Maximus heads the betting at 8/1. Grangeclare West finished third last year and won the Bobbyjo in February. Nick Rockett is the defending champion returning from a year off. The Irish-trained horses dominate the market because they dominate the form and the preparation. Wednesday's declarations and jockey bookings will confirm the final picture before Saturday. Horse Racing Oracle AI publishes its Grand National selection Wednesday morning. Sign up free at horseracingoracleai.com. Want free AI-powered tips every morning? Sign up free at horseracingoracleai.com -> Betting involves risk. Please gamble responsibly. Visit BeGambleAware.org.