I Am Maximus may be the favourite with the bookmakers to win the Grand National on Saturday, but a Supercomputer for the iconic race disagrees.
The computer model has analysed the traits of every Grand National winner from 1992 to 2025 and has used these characteristics to compare them to the class of 2026.
Each horse has been given a score to denote its similarity to the past winners, with these numbers used in a race simulation which has provided the resultant winning probabilities.
And the Supercomputer has produced an alternative winner to I Am Maximus – Grangeclare West.
The Willie Mullins-trained horse has an 11.42% chance of crossing the line first at Aintree, in what would be a fourth victory in the Grand National for the legendary Irish trainer.
The triumph would see Mullins draw level with Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell as the most successful trainers in the history of the race.
Grangeclare West has been installed as favourite by the Supercomputer marginally ahead of stablemate and the 2024 winner I Am Maximus at 11.36%.
The Irish horse will be ridden by Patrick Mullins, who will be looking to become just the tenth jockey to win the steeplechase in successive years having won the race 12 months ago with Nick Rockett.
Whilst Mullins is eyeing back-to-back victories, there will be no repeat result for Nick Rockett, who was forced to withdraw from the National on Thursday morning after being found with a cough.
Before the shock withdrawal, the nine year-old was given a 2.41% chance of defending his crown.
Elsewhere, the Supercomputer has placed Jagwar third on its list with a 10.03% chance of claiming victory, ahead of Panic Attack (9.42%) and Captain Cody (8.65%).
Supercomputer’s predictions
1.Grangeclare West — 11.42%
2. I Am Maximus — 11.36%
3. Jagwar — 10.03%
4. Panic Attack — 9.42%
5. Captain Cody — 8.65%
6. Iroko — 8.17%
7. Oscars Brother — 8.11%
8. Johnnywho — 7.9%
9. Monty’s Star — 4.32%
10. Haiti Couleurs — 3.71%
For the full list visit GrandNational.org.uk
The field will feature 34 horses instead of the traditional 40, with the number of horses taking part reduced back in 2024 in an attempt to improve the safety of the National.
The race will consist of two laps of the Aintree course, giving a total distance of four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs.
The runners and riders must navigate 30 fences in total; 16 are jumped in the first circuit and 14 are jumped in the second.
The race itself will get underway on Saturday at 4pm and is available to watch live on ITV1 and Racing TV.