The 2026 Grand National, run at Aintree Racecourse on 11 April, delivered a victory for I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins. The 9/2 favourite carried top weight to win the world’s most famous steeplechase, confirming his status as a modern great. A field of 34 horses faced the 30 fences over 4 miles 2½ furlongs, with thousands of spectators and millions of television viewers following the race.
What Time and Date Is the Grand National 2026?
11 April 2026, 4:00 PM UK
I Am Maximus (Paul Townend)
34 horses
Not yet disclosed
The race was run on the second Saturday of April at Aintree, Liverpool. Gates opened at 12:45 PM, with the first race on the card at 1:45 PM. The Grand National parade of runners took place at 3:00 PM, leading to the start at 4:00 PM. The expected finish time was around 4:10 PM, followed by the winner’s ceremony at 5:30 PM.
- The Grand National remains the most bet-on horse race in the UK; ground conditions often determine the winner.
- The 2026 race continued the trend of younger horses performing well under revised weights.
- Viewership is increasingly split between traditional broadcast and live streaming platforms.
- Willie Mullins trained nine of the 34 runners, including the winner, highlighting his dominance.
- Only 34 horses competed, down from the maximum of 40, due to withdrawals and safety considerations.
- The race distance of 4 miles 2½ furlongs tests stamina above all else.
- I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum to win two Grand Nationals (2024 and 2026).
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Time | SP (Odds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | I Am Maximus | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins | N/A | 9/2 Fav |
| 2025 | Nick Rockett | Patrick Mullins | Willie Mullins | 9:08.4 | 33/1 |
| 2024 | I Am Maximus | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins | 8:43.4 | 7/1 |
| 2023 | Corach Rambler | Derek Fox | Lucinda Russell | 9:00.7 | 8/1 |
| 2022 | Noble Yeats | Sam Waley-Cohen | Emmet Mullins | 9:02.1 | 50/1 |
For context on navigating the Aintree area, see our Mam Tor – Complete Walk Guide, Parking & History for walking routes nearby. The official schedule is also available on the Official Grand National Website (The Jockey Club).
Who Won the Grand National 2026? Results and Full Finish Order
I Am Maximus, the 9/2 favourite ridden by Paul Townend, crossed the line first. Trained by Willie Mullins, the 11-year-old proved his 2024 victory was no fluke, carrying top weight. Iroko finished second at 18/1, followed by Jordans at 28/1 and Johnnywho at 12/1. High Class Hero (66/1) came fifth, with Favori De Champdou, Final Orders, and Champ Kiely completing the top eight.
| Position | Horse | Rider | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 5th | High Class Hero | James Bowen | 66/1 |
| 6th | Favori De Champdou | Danny Gilligan | 40/1 |
| 7th | Final Orders | Conor Stone-Walsh | 22/1 |
| 8th | Champ Kiely | Danny Mullins | 25/1 |
| 9th | Three Card Brag | Jordan Gainford | 50/1 |
| 10th | Monty’s Star | Darragh O’Keeffe | 14/1 |
| 11th | Answer To Kayf | John Shinnick | 100/1 |
| 12th | Gorgeous Tom | Sean Flanagan | 20/1 |
| 13th | Imperial Saint | Callum Pritchard | 50/1 |
| 14th | Haiti Couleurs | Sean Bowen | 28/1 |
Full finishing distances and the complete order are recorded in Wikipedia’s 2026 Grand National page.
Full List of Grand National 2026 Runners and Horses
Thirty-four horses were confirmed for the race. The top trainers were Willie Mullins with nine runners, including the winner, and Gordon Elliott with five. Key runners included Haiti Couleurs (winner of the Irish and Welsh Nationals), Panic Attack (early favourite), Captain Cody (Scottish National winner), and Perceval Legallois, who fell in 2025 but targeted 2026.
The full list of 34 runners is officially available on grandnational.org.uk and William Hill’s declared runners page. Declarations are made 48 hours before the race, so some horses may have been scratched after the initial list.
Is Jagwar Running in the Grand National 2026?
The horse known as Jagwar was not among the final 34 runners. BBC pundit John Hunt selected Jagwar as his third choice in pre-race predictions, but the horse did not make the final field. Official confirmation of all runners is available from the British Horseracing Authority.
How Many Horses Usually Run?
A maximum of 40 horses can run, but the 2026 field of 34 is typical following withdrawals and safety adjustments. The race has a limit of 40 based on handicap ratings and eligibility.
What Are the Latest Grand National Odds and Predictions?
Panic Attack was the early favourite at 7/1 after winning the Coral Gold Cup. I Am Maximus moved to 9/2 favourite following consistent performances, including a second place in 2025. Grangeclare West was priced at 9/1 after a Bobbyjo Chase win. Iroko (14/1) had finished fourth in 2025 and carried less weight. Captain Cody was 18/1.
BBC Pinstickers’ selections:
- John Hunt: 1. Panic Attack, 2. Grangeclare West, 3. Jagwar. Best outsider: Quai de Bourbon.
- Gina Bryce: 1. Grangeclare West, 2. Monty’s Star, 3. Panic Attack. Best outsider: Spanish Harlem.
Odds change daily based on market movements and non-runner announcements. For the most current prices, check MyBettingSites’ odds updates or the BBC Sport Grand National Coverage.
Panic Attack was the pre-race favourite at 7/1, but I Am Maximus overtook him in the betting. Whether Panic Attack’s form would have translated to a win remains unknown; he did not finish in the top 14.
For a deeper look at UK endurance challenges, read our Ben Nevis – Height, Routes, Safety & How to Climb guide.
What Was the Grand National 2026 Race Day Timeline?
- : Gates open at Aintree Racecourse
- : First race on the card (The Manifesto Novices’ Chase)
- : Grand National Parade of Runners
- : Grand National Race Start
- : Expected finish time & official result announcement
- : Winner’s ceremony and trophy presentation
Is the Runner List Final? What About Jagwar?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The race was run on 11 April 2026 at 4:00 PM with 34 runners. | As of the time of writing, the full 2026 runner list was not officially finalised until 48 hours before the race. |
| I Am Maximus won at 9/2 favourite, ridden by Paul Townend. | Betting odds fluctuated daily; final SP may differ from early odds. |
| Jagwar was not among the final declared runners, despite being tipped by BBC pundits. | Whether Jagwar was scratched or never entered is not publicly confirmed. |
| Willie Mullins trained 9 of the 34 runners. | The exact prize money for 2026 has not been disclosed. |
Why Is the Grand National So Unpredictable?
The 2026 Grand National is the latest edition of the world’s most famous steeplechase, run over 4 miles 2½ furlongs and 30 fences at Aintree. Known for its unpredictability, the race attracts a global audience. Factors such as ground condition (good to soft), horse’s age, and weight carried (11st 10lb limit for top weight) are critical to success. Experts focus on horses with proven stamina over long distances and those who have performed well at Aintree previously.
Where Can I Find Official Grand National Results?
Official results are published by the British Horseracing Authority on their BHA Official Results Database. The Jockey Club, which owns Aintree, also provides verified race data. After the 2026 race, attention shifts to the Scottish Grand National (18 April) and the Punchestown Festival. For ante-post betting, early entries for the 2027 Grand National are expected in late 2026.
“I Am Maximus carried top weight but proved his 2024 victory was not a fluke.”
— Grand National analyst, MyBettingSites
“Willie Mullins remains the most successful trainer in recent years, with 2024 and 2026 wins.”
— grandnational.org.uk
What Does the 2026 Grand National Mean for the Season?
The 2026 Grand National confirmed I Am Maximus as a dual winner and underscored Willie Mullins’ dominance in long-distance chases. The race drew approximately 70,000 spectators and millions of television viewers. For those looking ahead, early predictions for the 2027 race will begin emerging later this year, with ante-post markets likely to open soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many horses usually run in the Grand National?
A maximum of 40 horses are allowed to run in the Grand National.
What colors do grey horses have?
Grey horses have a coat that appears white or grey, often darkening from a foal coat. Only three grey horses have won the Grand National.
Where is the Grand National held?
The Grand National is held at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England.
What is the prize money for the 2026 Grand National?
The official prize money for the 2026 Grand National has not been publicly confirmed.
Is I Am Maximus the first horse to win two Grand Nationals since Red Rum?
Yes, I Am Maximus won in 2024 and 2026, making him the first dual winner since Red Rum in the 1970s.
What time did the 2026 Grand National start?
The race started at 4:00 PM UK time on Saturday, 11 April 2026.
How can I watch Grand National highlights?
Highlights are available on BBC iPlayer and the official Grand National website.
Who trained I Am Maximus?
I Am Maximus is trained by Willie Mullins in Ireland.
What was the odds of I Am Maximus?
I Am Maximus started as the 9/2 favourite.
Did any grey horse run in 2026?
No grey horse finished in the top 14. The last grey winner was Neptune Collonges in 2012.
Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at DailyCity.co.uk, running the daily news list and covering UK and world stories with a city lens.