Henry De Bromhead Grand National 2026 Runners: Horses, Runners, Races & Chances Preview

An Irish horse trainer specialising in National Hunt racing, Henry de Bromhead is well known for his success in the winners' enclosure. Over a career spanning more than twenty years, he has trained notable horses such as "Honeysuckle," "Sizing Europe," "Bob Olinger," "A Plus Tard," and "Captain Guinness." 

De Bromhead’s greatest achievement likely came in 2021, when he and his team achieved the Holy Trinity—becoming the first trainer to saddle winners in the Champion Hurdle, the Champion Chase, and the Gold Cup in the same year.

His luck persisted in 2021 with victory in the prestigious Grand National. “Minella Times," ridden by Rachael Blackmore, made history as Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the legendary steeplechase.

The duo came close again in 2024, finishing third with “Minella Indo," while Blackmore placed third behind “I Am Maximus” and “Delta Work." However, de Bromhead has yet to replicate this achievement.

Could 2026 be the year de Bromhead regains his crown as Grand National trainer? 

Henry de Bromhead’s Trainer's Best Chances at Grand National 

For the 2026 Grand National, de Bromhead has just two confirmed entries – “Monty’s Star” and “Gorgeous Tom”. 

Monty’s Star – Henry de Bromhead’s Trainer's Best Chance

A nine-year-old bay gelding, “Monty’s Star,” is Henry De Bromhead’s obvious top choice for a Grand National victory.

Previously ridden regularly by Rachel Blackmore before she announced her retirement in May last year, Monty’s Star will now be ridden by Darragh O'Keeffe in the 2026 Grand National. The pair have, however, had a slow start, finishing 6th out of 12 and 5th out of 11 at Leopardstown in February and December.  

Table: Monty’s Star Recent Runs 

Monty’s Star hasn’t secured a win since New Year’s Eve 2023, when he beat Three Card Brag to the top spot at Punchestown. He has not previously run at Aintree, and there are some doubts coming into the weekend. 

The long list of uncertainties suggests Monty’s Star could be quite underpriced. It might be a good opportunity for an Each Way bet, but I would avoid going for a straight win.  

Gorgeous Tom – Can Sean Flanagan Pull off Something Special for de Bromhead?  

De Bromhead’s only other confirmed runner in the 2026 Grand National is Gorgeous Tom, an 8-year-old bay gelding owned by Envirogreen Housing Services Ltd.

Although he hasn't won since November 2024, Gorgeous Tom has consistently shown strong performances at Leopardstown, Newbury, Down Royal and Punchestown over the past year. 

Table: Gorgeous Tom Recent Runs 

Previously ridden by Darragh O'Keeffe, Sean Flanagan will take the reins at the Grand National – the first time the pair will compete together. It’s also Gorgeous Tom’s first time at Aintree and the furthest race he’s been entered in.

There are many unknowns with Gorgeous Tom, but the betting looks strong in the Each Way market. The ground conditions seem to suit him, but we’ll need to see how he performs on the day.  

Amirite (Reserve)

Alongside de Bromhead’s guaranteed runners, “Amirite” is waiting on the sidelines, ready to step up as the #3 reserve if any horses are pulled out late. 

Amirite is also entered in the Aintree William Hill Handicap Chase (2.30) on Saturday and is expected to run if no Grand National call-up comes his way. 

Henry de Bromhead’s Other Aintree Entries

Henry de Bromead hasn’t crossed the Irish Sea just for the Grand National. He’s brought a handful of other horses to enter in the Aintree festival events. 

Heart Wood – JCB Melling Chase (Grade 1) 

Friday, 10 April 2026 - 3:30

Henry de Bromhead’s top chance at Aintree is “Heart Wood,” the favorite in the #1 spot, ahead of the Skelton Brothers’ “Grey Dawning” and Harry Fry’s “Gidleigh Park.” Darragh O'Keeffe hopes to boost his confidence with an early win before competing in the Grand National with “Monty’s Star” the following day. 

Coming Up Easy – Randox Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 

Friday, 10 April 2026 - 4:05 

“Coming Up Easy” just makes it into the early top 6 of the 29 runners entered in the Randox Topham Handicap Chase. Once again, it’s Darragh O'Keeffe taking the reins, chasing down the Skelton Brothers’ “Madara”. 

Hiddenvalley Lake – Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) 

Saturday, 11 April 2026 - 3:05

The final race before the big one – the Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle features de Bromhead’s entry, “Hiddenvalley Lake”, among the early top three favourites. He’ll face Gordon Elliot’s “Honesty Policy” and Olly Murphy’s “Strong Leader”.

Henry de Bromhead’s Best Bets at the 2026 Grand National Festival 

Henry de Bromhead has a successful record at the Grand National, but the odds aren’t favourable for him in the big race. With tough competition from “I Am Maximus”, “Graneclare West”, “Panic Attack”, “Iroko” and “Jagwar”, it’s a tall order for Darragh O'Keeffe or Sean Flanagan to produce a winning performance. 

The best chance for a de Bromhead win is on Friday with the JCB Melling Chase (3:30). Darragh O'Keeffe will ride “Heart Wood”, the favourite ahead of the Skelton Brothers’ “Grey Dawning” and Harry Fry’s “Gidleigh Park”.

But I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: anything can happen in the Grand National. Tune in to watch all the action from 3:15 PM on ITV, with the race scheduled for 4:00 PM. It’s going to be a good one.