Grand National Horses 2026 – Full List of Runners, Odds and Winner
The 2026 Grand National at Aintree produced a result that many racegoers had anticipated. I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, crossed the line first at 4pm on Saturday 11 April. The 9/2 favourite held off a chasing pack that included Iroko, Jordans, Johnnywho, and High Class Hero. It was a race that confirmed some strong ante-post form lines while leaving others to wonder what might have been after several high-profile non-runners.
For those looking for a definitive list of the horses that ran, the results, and the odds that shaped the market, the 2026 edition offered plenty of data. But the Grand National is never straightforward. Late withdrawals, shifting weights, and the unique demands of Aintree’s 30 fences mean that even the most prepared fan needs a reliable source of verified information.
Grand National 2026: Confirmed Runners and Full Horse List
The 2026 Grand National had 34 runners, down from the maximum of 40, after a series of late scratches. The race day field was drawn from 78 entries confirmed during the build-up, according to Grand National guides. Below is a snapshot of the key facts followed by the complete list of named horses and their pre-race odds as reported by Racing Post.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | 11 April 2026 (final Saturday of April) |
| Location | Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England |
| Distance | 4 miles 2½ furlongs (approx. 6.9 km) |
| Number of Fences | 30 (16 distinct jumps over two circuits) |
Key Insights
- The 2026 race was the 179th edition of the Grand National.
- Recent trends favour horses aged 8 or 9 carrying lighter weights (under 11-00).
- Only two horses (Red Rum, Tiger Roll) have won the race on three or more occasions.
- The race typically attracts around 40 runners, but the final field is not confirmed until the morning of the race.
- The course is a left-handed equilateral triangle, with the famous fences (Becher’s Brook, The Chair) on the second circuit.
Quick Facts About the Grand National
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Running | 1839 |
| Most Wins (Horse) | Red Rum (3 wins: 1973, 1974, 1977) |
| Most Wins (Jockey) | George Dockeray (4 wins) |
| Fastest Time | 8 minutes 47.8 seconds (2024, I Am Maximus) |
| Grand Total Prize Fund | £1,000,000+ (2025 figure) |
| Official Sponsor | Randox Health (since 2024) |
Are the Grand National 2026 runners confirmed yet?
Yes, the final field of 34 runners was confirmed on the morning of the race after the declaration stage. During the build-up there were 78 entries, but several horses were withdrawn, including Appreciate It, Ile Atlantique, Flooring Porter, Blizzard Of Oz, Impaire Et Passe, Mister Coffey, and Deafening Silence. The final list of runners was published by the official Grand National site and by major racing media.
What are the names of the Grand National horses 2026?
The top five finishers were: 1st I Am Maximus (Paul Townend, 9/2 fav), 2nd Iroko (Jonjo O’Neill Jr, 18/1), 3rd Jordans (Ben Jones, 28/1), 4th Johnnywho (Richie McLernon, 12/1), and 5th High Class Hero (James Bowen, 66/1). Beyond the placed horses, the full list of 34 runners included many names familiar to National Hunt fans, with odds published by Racing Post before the race.
What are the latest odds for each runner?
The following odds were listed by Racing Post for the 2026 Grand National among the entries shown:
| Horse | Odds (Pre-Race) |
|---|---|
| I Am Maximus | 8-1 |
| Nick Rockett | NR |
| Banbridge | 50-1 |
| Grangeclare West | 10-1 |
| Gerri Colombe | 33-1 |
| Haiti Couleurs | 18-1 |
| Spillane’s Tower | 33-1 |
| Firefox | 100-1 |
| Monty’s Star | 20-1 |
| Spanish Harlem | 50-1 |
| Lecky Watson | 50-1 |
| Champ Kiely | 80-1 |
| Iroko | 14-1 |
| Favori De Champdou | 40-1 |
| Three Card Brag | 66-1 |
| Oscars Brother | 16-1 |
| Mr Vango | 80-1 |
| High Class Hero | 80-1 |
| Stellar Story | 25-1 |
| Beauport | 125-1 |
| Captain Cody | 16-1 |
| Jagwar | 14-1 |
| Perceval Legallois | 40-1 |
| Gorgeous Tom | 33-1 |
| The Real Whacker | 100-1 |
| Quai De Bourbon | 33-1 |
| Answer To Kayf | 66-1 |
| Jordans | 33-1 |
| Panic Attack | 8-1 |
Odds are taken from Racing Post’s pre-race guide. Note that some horses listed were later declared non-runners – Nick Rockett, for example, was a non-runner (NR).
Grand National 2026 Predictions: Odds and Favorites
Who were the favorites to win the Grand National 2026?
Before the race, the market was fluid. Sporting Life described I Am Maximus, Iroko, and Grangeclare West as the market leaders after the Cheltenham Festival. A separate Grand National guide noted that Haiti Couleurs had been the ante-post favourite at one stage. Racing Post’s preview page listed I Am Maximus among the leading betting choices and also showed Panic Attack at 8-1, indicating a very competitive market close to race time. Ultimately, the betting was proved right: I Am Maximus won at 9/2 (SP), making him the shortest-priced winner since 2010.
What are the best betting tips for the Grand National 2026?
Analysis from At The Races highlighted several recurring patterns that have historically produced winners:
- Trained in Ireland, especially by Willie Mullins
- No more than two seasons over fences
- Officially well in on the weights, especially by 5 lb+
- Ran over hurdles earlier in the season
- Contested the Cross Country or Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham
- Prepped in the Bobbyjo Chase
- Owned by J P McManus, Hemmings Racing, or Gigginstown House Stud
- Bred in Ireland
The same source noted that eight of the last 17 winners came in at 100/1, 66/1, 50/1, 33/1, or 25/1, illustrating the race’s reputation for long-priced winners. Expert preview videos also singled out Lecky Watson, Jagwar, Grangeclare West, and Johnnywho as horses that could outrun their odds.
Horses aged 7 to 10 and carrying less than 11 stone 5 pounds have a statistical advantage. The last 30 winners have been aged 8 or 9, and only one winner since 2000 has carried more than 11-03. This pattern helped narrow the field for analysts ahead of the 2026 race. Source: At The Races trends guide.
Grand National Winners: Full History and Past Results
Which horse has won the most Grand Nationals?
Red Rum holds the record with three wins (1973, 1974, 1977). Tiger Roll is the only other horse to win the race more than twice in the modern era (2018 and 2019). No horse has matched Red Rum’s three victories since the 1970s.
Who was the last horse to win the Grand National?
The 2026 winner is I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend. He also won the race in 2024, so he is the most recent winner as of the 2026 running.
What is the full list of Grand National winners?
A complete historical list, from 1839 to the present, is maintained by the official Grand National archives. The list includes every winner since Lottery in 1839 and is updated after each race. For the full list, visit the Grand National Winning Horses Archive.
When, Where, and How to Watch the Grand National 2026
What time is the Grand National 2026?
The 2026 Grand National was run at 4pm on Saturday 11 April. That timing is consistent with recent years, where the race has started at 4pm (local time) on the final Saturday of April.
Where does the Grand National take place?
The race is held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England, a venue that has hosted every edition since the race began in 1839.
What is the prize money for the Grand National 2026?
The total prize fund for the 2026 race was over £1,000,000, consistent with the 2025 figure. The exact breakdown of prize money is officially announced by The Jockey Club. For context, the 2025 winner’s share was around £561,000.
Broadcast details for the 2026 race were not confirmed in the available research. In previous years, ITV has held the main terrestrial rights, with Racing TV providing full coverage. Viewers should check the official Aintree page closer to the event for confirmed schedules.
Key Dates for the Grand National 2026
- September 2025 – Entries open for the 2026 race.
- February 2026 – Weights announced by the British Horseracing Authority.
- Late March 2026 – Final declarations; 40-runner field initially confirmed (later reduced to 34 after withdrawals).
- 11 April 2026 (Saturday) – Grand National 2026 Race Day.
- Post-Race – Official results and stewards’ report published.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain for the Grand National 2026?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The race took place on 11 April 2026 at 4pm. | The final 40-runner field is not confirmed until the morning of the race; scratches and withdrawals are possible up to that point. |
| The winner was I Am Maximus (9/2 fav). | No prediction can guarantee the winner – the race is known for its unpredictability and high rate of fallers. |
| The race is always scheduled for the final Saturday of April, barring unforeseen circumstances. | The exact date is set by The Jockey Club each year. |
| The race is permanently held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool since its inception. | – |
Why the Grand National is a Unique Test of Endurance
The combination of 30 fences, a grueling 4.5-mile distance, and a 40-runner field makes the Grand National a one-of-a-kind event. The course’s unique triangular shape demands a balance of speed, jumping ability, and stamina. Horses must navigate fences like Becher’s Brook (with a drop on the landing side) and The Chair (the tallest fence). The race is a significant challenge for even the most experienced thoroughbreds. For more details, visit the Grand National Facts & Figures page.
Historical data shows that horses aged 7 to 10 and carrying less than 11 stone 5 pounds have a statistical advantage. The last 30 winners have been aged 8 or 9, and only one winner since 2000 has carried more than 11-03. This analysis helps bettors filter the field. Source: Grand National Betting Trends.
What Do the Experts Say About the Grand National?
“The Grand National is the most famous steeplechase in the world. It’s a race that captures the imagination of the public like no other.”
The Jockey Club – thejockeyclub.co.uk
“You need a horse that is a brilliant jumper, has stamina, and is extremely tough. It’s a very demanding race.”
Lucinda Russell (Trainer of 2017 winner One For Arthur) – British Horseracing Authority
What’s Next for the Grand National in 2026?
Now that the 2026 race is complete, attention turns to the next cycle. Ante-post betting for the 2027 Grand National will open shortly, with Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho among the leading names in early discussions – based on their strong 2026 form. This page will be updated with the confirmed runner list after final declarations in late March 2027, and live race day coverage will follow. For updates on other major UK sporting events, see our guide on When Is the London Marathon 2025 – Date, Times & Winners.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Grand National
How many horses run in the Grand National?
The maximum field is 40 horses. The race is limited to 40 runners by the British Horseracing Authority for safety reasons.
Can horses run in the Grand National more than once?
Yes. Many horses return over multiple years. For example, Tiger Roll won in 2018 and 2019. However, no horse has won three times since Red Rum.
What is the youngest age a horse can run in the Grand National?
Horses must be at least 7 years old to compete in the Grand National.
How are the weights decided?
Weights are assigned by the British Horseracing Authority based on a horse’s official rating (form). The highest-rated horses carry the most weight.
What happens if a horse is injured during the race?
Race day veterinary teams are stationed around the course to provide immediate care. The RSPCA also monitors the race for animal welfare.
Where can I watch the Grand National on TV?
In the UK, the race is typically broadcast on ITV and Racing TV. Check the official Aintree page for the most up-to-date information.
What is the distance of the Grand National?
The race is run over 4 miles 2½ furlongs (approximately 6.9 km).
How many fences are in the Grand National?
The race features 30 fences, including 16 distinct jumps that are jumped twice (once on each circuit).
Who is the most successful jockey in Grand National history?
George Dockeray holds the record with 4 wins. Among modern jockeys, Ruby Walsh and Leighton Aspell have each won the race twice.
Is the Grand National safe for horses?
The race has undergone significant safety improvements over the years, including softening fences and reducing the field size. The British Horseracing Authority and RSPCA work to ensure welfare standards are met. For more, see Horse Racing Welfare.
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