Grand National
I Am Maximus heads weights for 2026 Grand National
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Former Grand National winner I Am Maximus has been assigned the top weight of 11st 12lb for the 2026 Randox Grand National at Aintree. Defending champion Nick Rockett carries 11st 11lb, while Iroko leads the ante-post betting markets. The weights were announced on 17 February 2026, with 76 entries remaining for the 11 April race.
Auroras Encore, the 66-1 outsider who won the 2013 Grand National, has died at the age of 24 following a peaceful retirement on the farm.
Reported by AI
Defending Randox Grand National champion Nick Rockett has been withdrawn from this year's race after developing a cough. Trainer Patrick Mullins confirmed the decision on Wednesday, opting instead to target the Punchestown Festival. First reserve Pied Piper will take the horse's place in Saturday's lineup.