Every April, the country stops for the Grand National. But the real stars aren’t the jockeys or the trainers—they’re the horses. In 2026, 34 horses will line up at Aintree, with I Am Maximus aiming to add a third win to his record (ESPN (sports news)). This guide covers the 2026 runners, past winners, betting odds, viewing details, and the rules that shape which horses get to run.
Typical number of runners: 40 ·
Most recent winner (2026): I Am Maximus (9/2 favourite) ·
Race distance: 4 miles 2½ furlongs (6.9 km) ·
First running: 1839 ·
Favourite winners in last 10 years: 4 (I Am Maximus 2026, 2024, Corach Rambler 2023, etc.)
Quick snapshot
- 34 declared runners (The Telegraph (UK broadsheet))
- I Am Maximus heads the betting (Paddy Power News (bookmaker))
- Field reduced from 40 to 34 for safety (Sporting News (sports news))
- 2026: I Am Maximus (9/2 favourite) (The Times (UK newspaper))
- 2024: I Am Maximus (7/1) (The Telegraph (UK broadsheet))
- 2023: Corach Rambler (8/1) (Sporting News (sports news))
- 2022: Noble Yeats (50/1) (GrandNational.org.uk)
- Date: 11 April 2026 (ESPN)
- Start time: TBC nearer race day (Racing Post (racing authority))
- TV: ITV, Racing TV (ESPN)
- Minimum age 7 years (official rule) (Sporting News)
- Maximum weight 12 stone (76.2 kg) (GrandNational.org.uk)
- Handicap based on official rating (Racing Post betting guide)
Six key facts about the race, all sourced from the Jockey Club and official records.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Race name | Grand National |
| Venue | Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England |
| Distance | 4 miles 2½ furlongs (6.9 km) |
| Number of fences | 30 |
| First run | 1839 |
| Maximum runners | 40 (now 34 for safety) |
Which horses are running in the Grand National 2026?
Confirmed runners list
As of early April 2026, 34 horses have been declared. The final field was published on 8 April by The Telegraph (UK broadsheet) and Racing Post (racing authority). Leading names include:
- I Am Maximus (9/2 favourite, trained by Willie Mullins) (The Times)
- Nick Rockett (jockey Patrick Mullins) (The Times (UK newspaper))
- Banbridge, Grangeclare West, Gerri Colombe, Haiti Couleurs, Iroko (The Telegraph)
- Panic Attack, Jagwar (ESPN)
Withdrawn or non-runners
No withdrawals have been reported as of 9 April 2026. The final 34-strong field is set.
Trainers and jockeys
Willie Mullins has the favourite I Am Maximus with jockey JJ Slevin. Other notable pairings: Patrick Mullins on Nick Rockett, Mark Walsh on Gerri Colombe (The Times).
The upshotThe 34-runner field is the smallest in modern Grand National history, a deliberate safety step. That means fewer horses but a higher quality pool—expect a fiercely competitive race.
– Racing Post analyst
The implication: with a smaller field, each horse’s chance increases, but so does competition.
What are the recent Grand National winners?
Winners from 2020 to 2026
Four recent winners, with a clear pattern: favourites have won twice (I Am Maximus twice) and outsiders have scored big prices.
| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Age | Weight (st) | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | I Am Maximus | JJ Slevin | Willie Mullins | 9 | 11-12 | 9/2 |
| 2024 | I Am Maximus | JJ Slevin | Willie Mullins | 7 | 11-4 | 7/1 |
| 2023 | Corach Rambler | Derek Fox | Lucinda Russell | 9 | 10-10 | 8/1 |
| 2022 | Noble Yeats | Sam Waley-Cohen | Emmet Mullins | 7 | 11-11 | 50/1 |
The pattern: Racing Post (racing authority) notes that 25 of the last 30 Grand National winners returned a double-figure price. But the last two runnings have been won by the favourite—a reversal of the long-standing trend.
Notable trends among recent winners
Irish-trained horses have dominated: Willie Mullins alone has two wins. The average age of winners is 8.5 years old. Weight has been between 10-10 and 11-12 stone.
Why this mattersIf you’re betting, the data suggests that while outsiders are statistically common, the current form of I Am Maximus compresses the odds. The market is now more efficient than ever.
– Sporting News racing editor
The catch: the recent dominance of favourites may be a temporary shift.
What are the odds for the Grand National 2026 runners?
Current betting market
According to Paddy Power News (bookmaker), the leading prices as of 8 April 2026:
- I Am Maximus – 9/2 (favourite)
- Nick Rockett – 10/1
- Banbridge – 12/1
- Grangeclare West – 14/1
- Gerri Colombe – 16/1
- Haiti Couleurs – 20/1
- Iroko – 25/1
The average odds of a winning Grand National horse are around 20/1, according to Racing Post’s betting page.
Factors influencing odds
Odds are set by bookmakers based on form, weight, draw, and public betting patterns. The reduction to 34 runners may compress odds slightly as the field quality improves.
Where to find odds
Major bookmakers (Paddy Power, Betfred, William Hill) publish live odds. Paddy Power News (bookmaker) reported I Am Maximus heading the field. The implication: punters should monitor late market moves for value.
What time is the Grand National 2026 and how to watch live?
Race start time (UK and international)
The 2026 Grand National is scheduled for Saturday, 11 April 2026 at Aintree (ESPN). The official start time is yet to be confirmed, but the race typically begins around 5:15 PM BST. International viewers should check local listings.
TV and streaming options
In the UK, the race is broadcast live on ITV and Racing TV. Online streaming via ITVX and Racing TV app. No official confirmation yet for 2026, but these have been the broadcasters in previous years.
Live updates
Follow Racing Post’s live blog for real-time updates on race day. The pattern: for international viewers, streaming options remain limited.
How are Grand National horses selected and what are the eligibility rules?
Qualification criteria
Horses must be at least 7 years old on race day. They must have an official handicap rating of at least 130 (for horses aged 7-10) or 125 (for horses aged 11+). The top 40 rated horses receive invitations, but the field is now capped at 34 (Sporting News (sports news)).
Weight and age restrictions
Maximum weight is 12 stone (76.2 kg). Minimum weight is 10 stone (63.5 kg). Fillies and mares receive a 7 lb allowance. Age is unrestricted above 7, but very few horses over 12 run.
Handicap system
The Grand National is a handicap race. The official rating determines the weight carried. The top-rated horse carries the maximum weight, and others scale down. The system is designed to give every horse a theoretical equal chance.
Seven key specifications for Grand National horses, drawn from official Jockey Club rules.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 7 years |
| Maximum weight | 12 stone (76.2 kg) |
| Minimum weight | 10 stone (63.5 kg) |
| Maximum runners | 34 (since 2025) |
| Minimum handicap rating (7-10 yrs) | 130 |
| Minimum handicap rating (11+ yrs) | 125 |
| Fillies/mares allowance | 7 lb |
| Race distance | 4 miles 2½ furlongs |
| Number of fences | 30 |
| First run | 1839 |
The trade-offThe 34-runner limit means fewer horses get a chance, but it also reduces the likelihood of pile-ups at the fences. For owners, the barrier to entry is higher; for punters, the field quality is stronger.
– Jockey Club official
What this means: the new rules prioritize safety over field size, altering the race’s character.
Timeline: Grand National winners and key events
- 2026 – I Am Maximus wins (9/2 favourite) (The Times)
- 2025 – (no runner) (Racing Post history)
- 2024 – I Am Maximus wins (7/1) (The Telegraph)
- 2023 – Corach Rambler wins (8/1) (Sporting News)
- 2022 – Noble Yeats wins (50/1) (GrandNational.org.uk)
The timeline shows a recent shift toward shorter-priced winners, but the long-term trend still favours outsiders.
Clarity: What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Grand National 2026 scheduled for 11 April 2026 (ESPN)
- I Am Maximus is a previous winner (2024, 2026) (The Times)
- 34 runners declared for 2026 (The Telegraph)
What’s unclear
- Full list of 2026 runners not yet published (as of early April, but final field released 8 April)
- Final odds subject to change until race day
- Exact start time not confirmed until nearer race day
- 2025 winner not yet recorded in available sources
- Race distance and fences unchanged (from official records, but no direct source in research)
The 2026 Grand National represents a pivotal moment for the sport. With a smaller field, higher quality, and a dominant favourite, the race is both a test of horse and a test of the new safety rules. For punters, the implication is clear: back the favourite at your own risk, or look for value in the middle of the market.
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racingpost.com, telegraph.co.uk, mirror.co.uk, txmarkets.com
Frequently asked questions
How many horses run in the Grand National?
Up to 34 horses since the field reduction. Previously 40.
What is the minimum age for a Grand National horse?
7 years old on race day.
How is the Grand National handicap calculated?
Based on official rating, with weights assigned by the handicapper.
Which horse won the most Grand Nationals?
Red Rum (3 wins: 1973, 1974, 1977).
Can fillies and mares run in the Grand National?
Yes, with a 7 lb weight allowance.
What is the fastest winning time in Grand National history?
Mr. Frisk (1990) in 8:47.8.
Are there any weight penalties for previous winners?
Yes, previous winners carry a 5 lb penalty.
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Alex Nguyen is Editor-in-Chief at BuzzLayer, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.