The Grand National at Aintree remains one of the most anticipated events in the racing calendar, drawing attention from casual viewers and seasoned punters alike. For 2026, the field has taken shape with 34 declared runners, and the early picture for 2027 already features familiar names at the top of the betting. This guide brings together the confirmed lists, expert predictions, and historical context needed to follow the race closely.
With I Am Maximus returning to defend his crown after a historic second win, the 2026 edition has already delivered a memorable outcome. Yet questions remain about the full roster of competitors, the shifting odds, and what the future holds for the next Grand National. Below, we break down the key facts and uncertainties.
What is the Full List of Grand National Horses for 2026?
Key insights from the 2026 field
- I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum to regain the Aintree crown, winning both the 2024 and 2026 editions.
- Haiti Couleurs was noted as an early ante-post favourite in some markets before the race, though the market shifted often.
- Grangeclare West featured in multiple expert predictions, with one preview forecasting him as the winner.
- Jockey partnerships were largely stable, with Paul Townend retaining the ride on I Am Maximus and Patrick Mullins aboard Grangeclare West.
- Betting market movements before the race correlated with public form data, though opinion among tipsters was not unanimous.
| Horse Name | Jockey | Notable Form |
|---|---|---|
| I Am Maximus | Paul Townend | Winner 2024 & 2026 Grand National |
| Iroko | Jonjo O’Neill Jr | Second place 2026 (2½ lengths behind) |
| Grangeclare West | Patrick Mullins | Predicted winner in some previews |
| Nick Rockett | Tom Bellamy | Declared runner 2026 |
| Haiti Couleurs | Sean Bowen | Early ante-post favourite |
Age, weight, and trainer details were not consistently available in the sources used. The list above reflects the top five names based on betting and prediction prominence.
Who are the confirmed runners for the Grand National 2026?
According to the official declared runners list published by William Hill, 27 horses were named ahead of the 2026 race. The full list includes: I Am Maximus, Nick Rockett, Banbridge, Grangeclare West, Gerri Colombe, Haiti Couleurs, Spillane’s Tower, Firefox, Monty’s Star, Spanish Harlem, Lecky Watson, Champ Kiely, Iroko, Favori De Champdou, Three Card Brag, Oscars Brother, Mr Vango, High Class Hero, Stellar Story, Beauport, Captain Cody, Jagwar, Perceval Legallois, Gorgeous Tom, The Real Whacker, Quai De Bourbon, and Answer To Kayf. Each horse was paired with a jockey, as detailed in the source. The final field of 34 runners was confirmed a couple of days before the race.
For the most up-to-date listing, refer to the Grand National 2026 declared runners and riders page, which contains the full declarations and rider assignments.
How many horses run in the Grand National?
The standard maximum field for the Grand National is 40 runners. In practice, the final number often falls slightly below that due to withdrawals, injuries, or weather-related decisions. For the 2026 race, 34 horses were declared, which is within the typical range seen in recent years.
The 2026 field of 34 is smaller than the maximum 40. This can happen when not enough horses meet the handicap rating requirements or when entries are scratched before declaration. The final number is always confirmed on the Thursday before the race.
What are the Latest Odds and Predictions for the Grand National 2026?
What are the predictions for the Grand National 2026?
Expert predictions for the 2026 race were divided. One detailed runner guide from Betfair – by Katie Midwinter – selected a top six of I Am Maximus, Iroko, Grangeclare West, Monty’s Star, Gorgeous Tom, and Quai De Bourbon. Another YouTube preview placed Grangeclare West first, followed by Jagwar, Oscars Brother, I Am Maximus, Lecky Watson, and Champ Kiely. These two examples show that opinion was far from uniform.
Which horses are the favorites to win the Grand National 2026?
In the ante-post market before the race, Haiti Couleurs was described as the current favourite according to one snapshot. However, the market shifted frequently. I Am Maximus entered the race as a major contender and ultimately won, confirming his status as a standout performer. Other horses frequently mentioned among the favourites included Iroko, Grangeclare West, and Banbridge. For 2027 early markets, I Am Maximus is again the ante-post favourite, alongside Iroko and several others.
The 2027 Grand National runners list is still provisional. According to a 2027 guide from grandnational.org.uk, the final 34 runners will be confirmed only a couple of days before the race. Current odds are therefore subject to change.
What is the Complete List of Grand National Winners?
What were the Grand National results for 2025?
Information on the 2025 Grand National result is not available from the sources used for this article. Readers should consult official results from The Jockey Club or the British Horseracing Authority for the 2025 outcome.
What is the list of all Grand National horses by year?
A full year-by-year list of Grand National horses is not compiled here, but a focused table of recent winners is provided below. These are the winners for the last three editions for which reliable information exists.
| Year | Winner | Jockey |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | I Am Maximus | Paul Townend |
| 2024 | I Am Maximus | Paul Townend |
| 2023 | Corach Rambler | Derek Fox |
Winners for 2025 and years prior to 2023 are not covered by the research notes. For a complete historical record, visit the official Aintree site at The Jockey Club (Official Aintree Operator).
Timeline: Key Events from 2025 to 2026 Grand National
The following timeline outlines the major milestones around the 2026 Grand National.
- – Entries open for the 2026 Grand National; early declarations begin.
- – Weights for the race are announced.
- – Final declarations are made (five-day entry stage).
- – The 2026 Grand National takes place. I Am Maximus wins, beating Iroko by 2½ lengths.
- – Post-race results and analysis are published across racing media.
Clarifying Certainty and Uncertainty in the Grand National Field
Understanding which horses are definite to run and which remain uncertain helps avoid confusion when reading early lists.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| I Am Maximus won the 2026 Grand National, his second victory after 2024. | The full 2027 field will only be confirmed two days before the race; current lists are ante-post/provisional. |
| 27 named runners with assigned jockeys were declared for 2026 (per William Hill). | Weight details for individual horses were not consistently reported in the available sources. |
| Haiti Couleurs was an early favourite in some ante-post markets. | Exact odds for each runner across all bookmakers are not provided in the research material. |
Context: The Difficulty of the Grand National
The Grand National is widely regarded as the most challenging steeplechase in the world. Horses must navigate 30 fences over a distance of four miles and two and a half furlongs. The unique layout of Aintree, including the famous Chair and Becher’s Brook, tests stamina, jumping ability, and mental resilience. Weight carrying is a critical factor – horses carry between 10 stone and 11 stone 12 pounds, with the top weights often facing a tougher task. Trainer-jockey partnerships that have previously succeeded at Aintree tend to be favoured by the betting market.
Sources and Official Statements
The information in this article draws on several official and secondary sources. The primary declarations list was published by William Hill and includes rider assignments. The outcome of the 2026 race was reported by grandnational.fans, which described I Am Maximus’s “powered clear” victory and his historic repeat win. Early 2027 runner lists and odds are available through grandnational.org.uk and grandnational.horseracing.guide. For authoritative race rules and historical data, the British Horseracing Authority and The Jockey Club remain the definitive references.
“I Am Maximus returned in 2026 … and became the first horse, since Red Rum, to regain his Aintree crown.”
— grandnational.fans, analysis of the 2026 race outcome
“The 34 runners for 2027 will be confirmed a couple of days before the race.”
— grandnational.org.uk, 2027 runners guide
For ongoing news and results, the BBC Horse Racing section and Racing Post provide regular updates.
What to Expect Next: Grand National 2027
Looking ahead, the 2027 Grand National is already generating early interest. I Am Maximus heads the ante-post market as a two-time winner, with Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho also among the early favourites. Other prominent names include Banbridge, Captain Cody, Final Demand, Grangeclare West, Haiti Couleurs, Holloway Queen, Inothewayurthinkin, and Nick Rockett. The final field will be set in the days before the race, and odds will continue to fluctuate as the season progresses. For a current list of entries, consult the Grand National 2027 runners and odds page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Grand National horses selected?
Horses are selected based on official ratings, handicap marks, and entry declarations. The top 40 rated entries make the final field.
What is the oldest Grand National horse to win?
The oldest horse to win the Grand National was Peter Simple (age 12) in 1853. In the modern era, many winners are 9 or 10 years old.
Can a female horse win the Grand National?
Yes, several mares have won the Grand National, most notably Nickel Coin (1951) and others in the 19th century.
What happens if a horse is scratched before the race?
If a horse is scratched, the next eligible horse on the list is invited to run, up until the final declaration stage.
How many fences are in the Grand National?
The course features 30 fences, with 16 jumped during the first circuit and 14 on the second. Some fences are jumped only once.
Has any horse won the Grand National three times?
Only Red Rum has won the Grand National three times (1973, 1974, 1977). I Am Maximus has won twice (2024, 2026).
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Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at Headlines UK, running the daily news list, commissioning and headline review.