Although the National Hunt season only came to an end in late April, some eyes are already turning towards 2027 and what might be to come. The UK is home to some of the biggest horse races in the world, most notably the Grand National.
Considered one of the premier races of the year, the four-mile, two-furlong handicap steeplechase draws thousands to Aintree every year, with even more watching around the world. That will be no different on Saturday 10th April 2027, which could potentially be historic.
While the final list of Grand National runners will not be confirmed for several months, betting markets have released their early favourites for the 2027 race. But who do they consider the leading candidates to win? And who might be worth watching in the months building up to the race?
I Am Maximus leads the favourites
After recording his second Grand National win in 2026, which made him the first horse since the legendary Red Rum to recapture the title in non-consecutive years, I Am Maximus is now heavily favoured to win the Aintree showpiece for a third time. That would put him level with Red Rum for most wins in the race’s history, but the Willie Mullins-trained horse will have competition to fend off.
Iroko, who shares the same owner as I Am Maximus in JP McManus, is considered to be his closest challenger, having finished second and fourth at his two most recent Grand National runs. The most recent season was not his best, with just one win at Ascot from four runs, but his history at Aintree means he could take a step towards the title if he matures in the off-season.
Meanwhile, Soldier in Milan has become one of the early favourites after his triumph in the Irish Grand National, where he finished 16 lengths ahead of the other competitors. His win at Fairyhouse was the most impressive in his career so far and helped to catapult the seven-year-old up the list of potential runners ahead of 2027.
Dark horses to watch
Most punters, though, will look for value rather than simply backing the favourites. From the list of potential runners in 2027, it’s hard to look anywhere other than Nick Rockett at 40/1. The winner of the 2025 Grand National did not run in the most recent marquee event at Aintree due to coughing, but could potentially target a return next year.
Panic Attack came into the 2026 Grand National as one of the favourites at 7/1 after promising wins at Newbury and Cheltenham, but the mare fell at the third fence. Nevertheless, Dan Skelton will be targeting a first win in the famous race in 2027, and could yet rely on the 10-year-old. Also priced at 40/1, markets could be underestimating her.
For casual horse racing watchers who might be tempted to bet on the Grand National, Kitzbuhel will be a popular choice thanks to his striking colour. Grey horses are frequently backed as they are easier to spot, but the six-year-old is more than just eye-catching, winning at Punchestown and Kempton before taking the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham in March.
The Willie Mullins-trained horse has not yet competed in Aintree’s biggest race, but might be a candidate next year. However, only three greys have won the Grand National in the race’s history, so the stats are stacked against Kitzbuhel.
