Grand National 2026: The Ultimate Guide to the Runners & Race

The 2026 Grand National at Aintree has taken shape as a 34-runner race, with the market focusing on a familiar group of leading contenders. As the race approaches, the conversation amongst the sport’s followers centres on the chances of the favourites and the value that may lie further down the field.

The race, known for its unique challenge of distance and fences, generates significant interest that extends beyond the usual racing audience. With the final field now declared, attention turns to the form, the odds, and the compelling narratives that surround the horses and their jockeys.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the runners, the latest market movements, and the historical context that makes the Grand National a truly distinctive event on the sporting calendar.

Grand National Runners: Full List of Horses and Riders

The declaration list confirms a maximum field of 34 horses for the 2026 race. This is the definitive list of runners and riders, marking the final stage of the entry process that began with a longlist of 78 horses.

Key Insights for Race Fans

• The final field is capped at 34 runners, a reduction from the initial entry list, reflecting the competitive nature of the qualification process.
• The market is led by a clear top six, with I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West vying for favouritism across various bookmakers.
• A significant portion of the field, including Monty’s Star and Iroko, are priced at 11/1 or longer, indicating the race’s potential for an each-way outcome.
• The distance of 4 miles and 514 yards is a critical test of stamina, often favouring horses with proven form over long distances.
• The grey horse angle is a popular subplot, with race lore suggesting they have a strong historical record in the event.

2026 Grand National Confirmed Runners

The following table lists the 34 horses declared for the 2026 Grand National, along with their jockeys, based on the official declaration lists.

Horse	Jockey	Horse	Jockey
I Am Maximus	Paul Townend	Vanillier	Danny Gilligan
Banbridge	JJ Slevin	Three Card Brag	Jordan Gainford
Grangeclare West	Patrick Mullins	Oscars Brother	Daniel King
Gerri Colombe	Jack Kennedy	Mr Vango	Jack Tudor
Haiti Couleurs	Sean Bowen	High Class Hero	James Bowen
Firefox	Keith Donoghue	Stellar Story	Robbie Dunne
Monty’s Star	Darragh O’Keeffe	Beauport	Sam Twiston-Davies
Spanish Harlem	Brian Hayes	Captain Cody	Jonathan Burke
Lecky Watson	Sean O’Keeffe	Jagwar	Mark Walsh
Champ Kiely	Danny Mullins	Perceval Legallois	Harry Cobden
Iroko	Jonjo O’Neill Jr	Gorgeous Tom	Sean Flanagan
Panic Attack	Harry Skelton	The Real Whacker	Gavin Sheehan
Favori De Champdou	Danny Gilligan	Quai De Bourbon	Donagh Meyler
Johnnywho	Ben Jones	Answer To Kayf	John Shinnick
Jordans	Ben Jones	Final Orders	Conor Stone-Walsh
Top Of The Bill	Toby McCain-Mitchell	Marble Sands	Kielan Woods
Nick Rockett	Non-Runner	Spillane’s Tower	Non-Runner
Pied Piper	Non-Runner

Grand National Odds: Favourites and Longshots

Betting markets for the Grand National often show significant variance between bookmakers, and the 2026 race is no exception. The prices quoted across various outlets indicate a fluid market, with several horses prominent in the betting.

Market Leaders and Their Odds

The following table outlines the leading contenders and the range of prices available at various points before the race.

Horse	Odds Range	Notes
I Am Maximus	7/1 to 15/2	Consistent favourite or joint-favourite across multiple outlets.
Grangeclare West	8/1 to 10/1	Strongly fancied, often second in the market.
Panic Attack	7/1 to 18/1	Odds varied widely; some books had it very short, others longer.
Jagwar	8/1 to 10/1	Regularly among the top three market choices.
Iroko	12/1 to 18/1	Consistently listed among major contenders.
Haiti Couleurs	12/1	Prominent each-way contender.
Monty’s Star	11/1 to 20/1	A consistent mid-market runner.
Oscars Brother	16/1	Featured in several runner lists.
Nick Rockett	16/1	Mentioned as a major name, though listed as a non-runner in one source.

Expert Angles and Tips

Racing Post’s preview framed the race around the leading runners, noting that the average winning price is around 20/1, suggesting the race often rewards outsiders. The Telegraph’s each-way coverage highlighted Jagwar at 10/1 as a place-focused bet.

Sporting News’ runner-by-runner guide included major contenders such as I Am Maximus, Banbridge, Grangeclare West, and Iroko. Betfred’s preview also pointed to Panic Attack and Monty’s Star as leading names in the market.

Historical Context of Leading Contenders

The Grand National’s history is a significant part of its appeal, and several of the leading runners in 2026 carry historical narratives that add to the race’s intrigue.

Grey Horses in the Grand National

The race has a storied history with grey horses, a factor that often piques public interest. The first grey winner was The Lamb in 1868, a piece of trivia that highlights the long-standing appeal of these horses. This historical angle is a key part of the race’s narrative, and a grey runner in the 2026 field would be carrying that legacy.

The Challenge of the Course

The unique test of Aintree is a key differentiator. The race distance of 4 miles and 514 yards, combined with the substantial obstacles, demands exceptional stamina and jumping ability. This often levels the playing field, allowing horses who may not be at the top of the market to succeed if they can rise to the challenge.

Key Facts and Dates at a Glance

The 2026 Grand National is scheduled for the 11th of April, 2026. The event is a cornerstone of the British sporting calendar, with a rich history and a distinct set of traditions. The race distance is a critical factor for contenders, and the total prize money is a major attraction.

• Race Date: 11th April 2026
• Location: Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool
• Distance: 4 miles & 514 yards
• Prize Money: Over £1 million total

Grand National 2026: Race Predictions

The consensus among previews is that the 2026 race revolves around a core group of horses. The market leaders are clear, but the race’s history of longshots suggests that the outcome is far from certain.

Horse-by-Horse Guide for Favourites

I Am Maximus enters as the one to beat, often trading slightly shorter than the rest. Grangeclare West is consistently mentioned as a leading contender, with Racing Post highlighting its near-miss last year. Jagwar is touted for its reliable each-way claims, and Iroko and Haiti Couleurs are seen as the primary each-way threats.

Sources & Expert Quotes

ITV Racing promoted its Grand National preview with the line,

“THEE horses that could win the Grand National”

highlighting the media interest in the event’s leading contenders.

The Jockey Club provides a historical fact for grey horses, stating,

“The Lamb was the first grey horse to claim victory in the Grand National in 1868.”

These expert voices, combined with the in-depth analysis from Racing Post and William Hill, paint a complex picture of the 2026 race.

Summary

The 2026 Grand National at Aintree is set to be a compelling contest, with I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West heading the market. However, the race’s tradition of rewarding each-way prices means the outcome remains open. For the latest information, see our guide on Grand National 2026: runners, riders, favourites, odds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch the Grand National?

The race is typically broadcast on ITV in the UK. Check local listings for other countries.

What is the prize money?

The winner typically receives over £500,000, with the total prize pot exceeding £1 million.

How is the final field determined?

The final field is determined through a handicap system and declarations, reducing the initial entry list.

Which grey horses have won the Grand National?

The first grey winner was The Lamb in 1868, marking a notable historical moment.

What is the official governing body for the sport?

The British Horseracing Authority is the official UK governing body for horse racing.