Despite being run in Liverpool, the Aintree Grand National hasn’t produced an English-trained winner for a full decade now – with the most recent in 2015.
So, who was responsible for that last English success… and can the home yards finally put an end to the drought in 2026?
The Last English-Trained Grand National Winner Was Many Clouds
You have to go rewind back to 2015 to find the most recent of the English-trained Grand National winners – the Oliver Sherwood-trained MANY CLOUDS.
He was eight years old at the time and carried 11st 9lbs to victory off a mark of 160, lining up as the second top-weight behind the 2014 Gold Cup winner Lord Windermere.
In doing so, Many Clouds shouldered the most weight to victory in the race since Red Rum carried 12st to win in 1974 – no small feat around the tricky Aintree course.
And over a gruelling 4m 2 1/2f trip.
A Landmark Win for The Connections Of Many Clouds
Many Clouds – Grand National Winner 2015
That success also brought up a third Grand National win for owner Trevor Hemmings, who had previously landed the race with Hedgehunter (2005) and Ballabriggs (2011).
For jockey Leighton Aspell, it was another standout moment too – his second win in the race, having scored just 12 months earlier aboard the 11yold Pineau De Re.
And heading into the 2026 Grand National, Pineau De Re was also the most recent winner aged in double-figures.
Yet, remarkably, the 2015 renewal remains the last time an English-trained runner made it into the winner’s enclosure.
Since then, Irish and Scottish yards have dominated the race – winning them ALL.
It’s a striking contrast when you consider that English-trained horses actually filled the first seven places in 2015.
Since that day, though, they’ve drawn a blank.
With the best-finished English-trained horse last year (2025) Iroko, who came 4th for the Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero yard.
A Race to Remember – For More Than One Reason
The 2015 Grand National is also remembered as the final ride in the race for champion jockey AP McCoy, who finished fifth on Shutthefrontdoor, the 6/1 favourite.
Many Clouds returned the following year off a 5lb higher mark but could only finish 16th.
He went on to win twice more before sadly collapsing and passing away after his victory in the 2017 Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham.
Across his career, he ran 27 times – winning 12 of those races and earning £928,000 in this career.
Including taking £561,300 in Grand National prize money the year he won it.
Full 2015 Grand National Result
- 1st MANY CLOUDS (25/1) (Oliver Sherwood)
- 2nd Saint Are (25/1) (Tom George)
- 3rd Monbeg Dude (40/1) (Michael Scudamore)
- 4th Alvarado (20/1) (Fergal O’Brien)
WATCH: Many Clouds Winning The 2015 Grand National
Recent Grand National Winners and Where They Were Trained
Since that 2015 success, the Grand National has been dominated by Irish-trained runners, along with two wins for Scotland’s Lucinda Russell.
These came in 2017 with One For Arthur and 2023 with Corach Rambler.
In total, Irish trainers have landed the race seven times in that period, meaning the world’s most famous jumps race hasn’t seen a home-trained winner for over 10 years.
Here’s a look at the recent roll of honour:
- 2025 – Nick Rockett (33/1) – Willie Mullins 🇮🇪
- 2024 – I Am Maximus (7/1 joint-fav) – Willie Mullins 🇮🇪
- 2023 – Corach Rambler (8/1 fav) – Lucinda Russell 🏴
- 2022 – Noble Yeats (50/1) – Emmet Mullins 🇮🇪
- 2021 – Minella Times (11/1) – Henry de Bromhead 🇮🇪
- 2020 – Cancelled (Covid)
- 2019 – Tiger Roll (4/1 fav) – Gordon Elliott 🇮🇪
- 2018 – Tiger Roll (10/1) – Gordon Elliott 🇮🇪
- 2017 – One For Arthur (14/1) – Lucinda Russell 🏴
- 2016 – Rule The World (33/1) – Mouse Morris 🇮🇪
- 2015 – Many Clouds (25/1) – Oliver Sherwood 🏴
WATCH: Nick Rockett Winning The 2025 Grand National
The question now is simple.
Can the English-trained runners step up and finally reclaim the Grand National on home soil?
Next, we take a closer look at the leading British-trained contenders aiming to do just that.
2026 Grand National Runners From England
Of the expected 34 Grand National runners 2026, there are a massive 22 from Ireland.
Leaving this horses running for the home-grown yards.
HAITI COULUERS (Rebecca Curtis)
Actually trained in Wales by Rebecca Curtis and runs in the race for the first time. Has already won the Irish and Welsh Grand Nationals, so is looking for a famous treble.
IROKO (Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero)
Ran 4th last year in 2025 and is back another year older (8) and rated just 5lbs higher. Looks to have a big chance in the famous green and gold JP McManus silks.
MR VANGO (Mrs Sara Bradstock)
Won the Midlands National in 2025 so we know he stays – but is not rated 11lbs higher.
BEAUPORT (Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies)
From the Twiston-Davies camp that have two National wins to their name (Earth Summit and Binderee). 12th in 2025 beaten 63 lengths but is back 3lbs lower.
JAGWAR (Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero)
Second to Johnnywho in the Ultima Chase last time and that’s been a decent Grand National trial race – with Corach Rambler and Noble Yeats both backing that up.
THE REAL WHACKER (Patrick Neville)
2023 Browns Advisory Novices’ Chase winner, but first run in the race but was 4th in the Bowl last season.
MARBLE SANDS (David Killahena & Graeme McPherson)
Likely to be the only Grand National grey horse in the race – low weight, but would need a step up on his second to Konfusion in the Rowland Meyrick last time out.
PANIC ATTACK (Dan Skelton)
Likely to be the only Grand National mare in the race. Won the Coral Gold Cup (Hennessy) this season and certainly not without a chance of becoming the 14th winning female in the race.
TOP OF THE BILL (Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies)
Another from the two-time winning Twiston-Davies yard. Last seen running 2nd in the Grand National Trial at Haydock – but is up 2lbs for that.
JOHNNYWHO (Jonjo & AJ O’Neill)
Looking to join Corach Rambler as the last winner of the Ultima Chase to land the Grand National – having won that Cheltenham prize last time out.
Gets in with just 10-4 and on the same mark – could be dangerously well-handicapped. Was also 5th in the Grand Sefton over the National fences.
TWIG (Ben Pauling)
From the King George-winning Ben Pauling yard and winner of the Becher Chase this season.
Up 3lbs for that win and looking to become join Silver Birch, Amberleigh House and Earth Summit as past winners of both races (not in the same season).
