Grand National Runners
Last Updated 1 week ago | By Anthony VellaThe 2026 Grand National is still months away, but fear not, because you can already bet on who the winner will be. Check out the likely Grand National 2026 runners list, alongside the latest odds and Grand National betting offers.
Grand National Runners 2026 - List of horses and odds
*Grand National 2026 runners odds last updated at 4pm on 10th July 2025, and are subject to change.
Grand National Runners List
Speculation is already swirling around the potential Grand National 2026 runners and riders, with fans and punters alike eager to see which names will return to Aintree for the world’s most famous steeplechase.
As in previous years, around 90 horses are expected to be entered initially, with the field gradually reduced as the season progresses. The Cheltenham Festival often plays a pivotal role in shaping the final declarations, before the official confirmation of 34 Grand National runners on the Thursday ahead of race day.
A number of familiar faces from past renewals are expected to return, including former winners Nick Rockett and I Am Maximus, who remain strong contenders in the early betting markets.
You’ll be able to find the full list of confirmed 2026 Grand National horses once the declarations are announced. For now, the most likely Grand National 2026 runners are ordered alphabetically, below.
- Beauport
- Better Days Ahead
- Captain Cody
- Cruz Control
- Floring Porter
- Gerri Colombe
- Grangeclare West
- Grey Dawning
- Haiti Couleurs
- Hewick
- High Class Hero
- I Am Maximus
- Intense Raffles
- Iroko
- Jagwar
- Johnnywho
- Jordans
- Kandoo Kid
- Lecky Watson
- Lombron
- Meetingofthewaters
- Minella Cocooner
- Monty’s Star
- Mr Vango
- Myretown
- Nick Rockett
- Now Is The Hour
- Perceval Legallois
- Quai De Bourbon
- Resplendent Grey
- Senior Chief
- Shanbally Kid
- Spillane’s TowerTwig
- Stellar Story
- Stumptown
- Surrey Quest
- The Changing Man
- Three Card Brag
- Val Dancer
- Vanillier
Who are next year’s Grand National favourites?
There are dozens of Grand National horses carrying the hopes of their owners and trainers, but the most interest and the big money surrounds the Grand National favourites. With the 2025 Grand National now run, bookmakers have launched Ante-Post betting markets for next year’s race. Here’s some brief information about the leading Grand National 2026 runners according to the latest ante-post betting odds:
Haiti Couleurs
- Age: 8
- Trainer: Rebecca Curtis
- Previous Grand National Form: N/A
- Known For: Winning the 2025 Irish Grand National and NH Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival.
- Grand National 2026 Odds: 16/1
I Am Maximus
- Age: 9
- Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Previous Grand National form: 1st in 2024 and 2nd in 2025.
- Best known for: Winning the Grand National in 2024.
- Grand National 2026 best odds: 25/1
Jagwar
- Age: 6
- Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
- Previous Grand National Form: N/A
- Known For: Winning the 2025 Plate Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
- Grand National 2026 Odds: 25/1
Nick Rockett
- Age: 8
- Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Previous Grand National Form: 1st in 2025
- Known For: Winning the 2025 Aintree Grand National.
- Grand National 2026 Odds: 25/1
Iroko
- Age: 7
- Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
- Previous Grand National Form: 4th in 2025
- Best known for: Winning the Martin Pipe at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.
- Grand National 2026 best odds: 25/1
*Odds displayed above correct at 6pm on 19th May 2025.
Grand National Runners with the Same Silks
You may have noticed some of this year’s Grand National runners will be wearing the same colours, which can make them harder to spot in a large and congested field. This is normally because they share the same owner. Our table below shows the horses that shared the same silks in 2025. You have to keep an extra close eye on these to make sure you don’t end up cheering for the wrong Grand National horse.
| Grand National runners | Grand National silks |
|---|---|
| Iroko, I Am Maximus, Perceval Legallois, Meetingofthewaters, Chantry House |
 |
| Favori de Champdou, Coko Beach, Conflated |
 |
| Three Card Brag, Where It All Began |
 |
Grey Grand National runners
Grey horses always prove popular in the Grand National. There were a number of good grey horses to choose from in the 2025 race, with seven grey runners in total.
- Kandoo Kid
- Intense Raffles
- Fil Dor
- Coko Beach
- Vanillier
- Hyland
- Duffle Coat
Previous Grand National Winners
The 2025 Grand National went ahead in front of the usual packed stands despite concerns that new safety measure may impact the drama. The Grand National odds had Iroko as the late favourite. Ultimately, it was Nick Rockett who powered through to win. He stayed on strongly to hold off 2024 winner I Am Maximus. Here are the ten previous Grand National winners:
- 2024 – Nick Rockett
- 2024 – I Am Maximus
- 2023 – Corach Rambler
- 2022 – Noble Yeats
- 2021 – Minella Times
- 2020 – RACE CANCELLED
- 2019 – Tiger Roll
- 2018 – Tiger Roll
- 2017 – One For Arthur
- 2016 – Rule The World
Read more about how they got on via our Grand National reviews hub.
How are the Grand National runners decided?
In early February, a longlist containing around 100 potential Grand National runners is announced. As we near the 2025 Aintree Grand National, this is whittled down to a maximum of 34 Grand National runners. Narrowing down the field to 34 runners is a lengthy process, with the following steps and many twists and turns when it comes to the Grand National odds.
- Grand National entries closed on 28th January, giving us a longlist of nearly 100 Aintree Grand National 2025 runners.
- Grand National weights were then announced on 11th February, ranking the Grand National horses from one to 34 and beyond.
- The first scratchings deadline was on 25th February.
- The second scratchings came three weeks later, after the twists and turns of the Cheltenham Festival had all played out.
- Five-day confirmations were announced on 31st March 2025.
- Final declarations happened on Thursday 3rd April at 10am, featuring the top 34 Grand National horses from the weights list, plus 4 reserves in case of any late withdrawals.
Once the final declarations have been made, you’re safe to use any Grand National free bets you’ve found, without the fear of not getting a run for your money.
How many runners are in the Grand National?
The Grand National was capped at 40 runners for many years, but that was trimmed to 34 ahead of the 2024 Grand National. Various declaration stages during February, March, and April help whittle down the entries to meet the new Grand National runners limit.
Who decides which horses run in the Grand National?
The Grand National weights are released every February by the British Horseracing Authority’s head of handicapping. They decide the weights and ratings for the runners entered which will invariably end up being a deciding factor in who the final 34 runners will be on the day.
Once each horse has been allocated a weight to carry, we have a clearer idea which horses will be the confirmed Grand National 2025 runners. This has a significant impact on the Grand National betting odds.
Grand National Entries
While there’s no fixed limit on initial Grand National runners, only 34 horses are ultimately allowed to line up at Aintree on race day, a recent reduction from the previous maximum of 40. To make the final cut, each horse must meet a set of official entry criteria, but the decision-making goes far beyond that.
Trainers and owners must carefully assess key questions. Can the horse stay the full 4¼-mile trip? Is it well handicapped? Will it handle the going? Is it peaking at the right time?
Form, fitness, and stamina all play crucial roles in whether a horse remains in contention for a Grand National start. Those showing top form could find themselves burdened with heavier weights from the handicapper, while others may fall short if they’re not jumping well or lack staying power.
All of these variables, namely the form, weight and ground conditions, feed directly into the latest Grand National betting odds, creating regular market movement as the field narrows and punters take their early positions.
Grand National Non-Runners
Once the final declarations are made on the Thursday before the Grand National, any horse withdrawn from the race is classed as a non-runner. For the 2026 Grand National, the declarations will be confirmed on Thursday 9th April.
The race operates with a reserve system, where up to four standby horses can be called into the final field if there are any late withdrawals before 1pm on Friday.
There are several reasons why a horse might be pulled from the Grand National after final declarations, with ground changes, veterinary concerns, or minor injuries amongst the causes. These late changes can also lead to fluctuations in the Grand National betting odds, so it’s always wise to keep an eye on the market in the days leading up to the big race.
What to look for when finding a winning horse?
There are certain criteria for horses to meet in order to qualify for the Grand National. Understanding them means not only knowing who will run but often how well too.
Weight
As a handicap race, the weights for Grand National runners are basically decided according to their official rating. So, if the top horse is rated 170 and carries 11st 10lbs, a horse rated 167 would carry 11st 7lbs etc.
Given the special nature of this race, however, the head BHA handicapper has dispensation to change the ratings and the weights somewhat. The handicapper can use other factors such as proven form at Aintree to adjust the weights. He will frame the weights a couple of months before the race before publishing them.
The top-rated horse in the line-up will carry 11st 10lbs. In years gone by it was thought nigh impossible for horses to carry such weights to win the National. Things are different now. The classier horses at the top of the weights have every chance of winning this, especially if the ground isn’t too testing.
Age
Only Grand National horses aged 7 and over can enter. This was raised from 6 recently, with Noble Yeats becoming the first horse aged younger than 8 to win the Grand National since 1940.
Horses between 8 and 11 are thought of as being at the perfect age. Even then, a lot will depend on what form they are in and whether it’s believed a new career peak is realistic regardless of how old they are.
Career
There isn’t a set career path for a Grand National contender. Race set-ups in the UK and Ireland are different but equally fruitful. The trick is not to follow horses coming from certain races. Rather, it is best to find a horse which is about to peak. Those running to their best form this season, but not necessarily badly weighted, are favoured.
Stamina
Only those who have been placed in a recognised chase over 3 miles or longer can enter. That is because of safety concerns, but as punters, we can take that a step further. In truth, what we really want to see is a horse who has won at least once over 3 miles. We’d rather see those wins being gained in good quality races too. Horses with the previous form in the Grand National, the Welsh and Irish Grand Nationals or over 3 miles at Cheltenham often go on to do well.
Grand National Jockeys
When it comes to betting on the Grand National, jockey selection is just as important as form or pedigree. Some punters like to back riders who have already won at Aintree, while others are drawn to history-makers, such as Rachael Blackmore, who became the first female jockey to win the race in 2021.
To even qualify to ride in the Grand National, jockeys must have ridden a minimum of 15 winners under rules in Britain or Ireland. Crucially, at least 10 of those victories must be over fences, ensuring all 34 riders lining up in the Grand National are both experienced and highly capable.
Many jockeys are retained riders, contracted to ride for specific owners or stables. These long-term partnerships often prove fruitful. Most Grand National-winning jockeys owe their chances to these professional relationships.
Even legends like AP McCoy and Ruby Walsh, with their stellar careers, only won this iconic race once and twice, respectively, showing just how tough it is to claim victory at Aintree.
With Rachael Blackmore announcing her retirement, a new generation of stars will aim to leave their mark on Grand National 2026. Keep an eye on our complete list of confirmed Grand National jockeys and riders. You might just spot a name worth backing.
- Paul Townend
- Sean Bowen
- Aidan Coleman
- Brendan Powell
- Charlie Deutsch
- D A Jacob
- D N Russell
- Harry Cobden
- Harry Skelton
- Jonjo O’Neill Jr
- M P Walsh
- Nick Scholfield
- Ryan Mania
- Sam Twiston-Davies
- Tom Scudamore
Grand National Key Facts & Figures
- Winner’s Prize Money: £500,000
- Total Runners: 34
- Number of Hurdles: 30
- Race Distance: 4 miles 2 furlongs 74 yards
*All Grand National odds correct at time of publishing. All subject to change.
Grand National 2025 results and odds
The 2025 Grand National took place on 5th April at 4pm. Powerhouse trainer Willie Mullins dominated the contest. He trained the 2025 winner, Nick Rockett, plus the horses that finished 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 7th. That result shows just how dominant Mullins is at this moment in time.
| Position | Grand National runners | Grand National riders | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Nick Rockett | Patrick Mullins | 33/1 |
| 2nd | I Am Maximus | Paul Townend | 7/1 |
| 3rd | Grangeclare West | Brian Hayes | 33/1 |
| 4th | Iroko | Jonjo O’Neill Jr. | 13/2 Fav |
| 5th | Meetingofthewaters | Danny Mullins | 20/1 |
Grand National Runners FAQs
Find more relevant information when it comes to Grand National runners in our FAQs below.
When is the Grand National?
Grand National 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, 11th April, at 4pm. The three-day festival starts on 9th April 2026.
What time is the Grand National 2026?
Next year’s Grand National will start at 4pm. The race used to be earlier in the day but has been moved to a later time to ensure the Aintree track is in the best possible condition for the Grand National runners.
How many horses will run in the Grand National?
Up to 40 horses could run in the Grand National in previous years, but safety measures have reduced that number. The maximum number of Grand National runners is now limited to 34.
Who are the runners in the Grand National?
The 34 Grand National runners and riders were confirmed a couple of days before the race. The horses that could head to Aintree include 2024 Grand National winner I Am Maximus, and 2025 champion Nick Rockett.
Is Rachael Blackmore riding in the Grand National?
No, Rachael Blackmore announced her retirement and so will not be riding in Grand National 2026. This is a blow to Henry De Bromhead who trained Blackmore’s most recent mounts in the race.
Are there any grey horses in the Grand National?
There were a total of seven grey horses running in the Grand National 2025. There are likely to be a similar number in the next running of the iconic race.
Who are the favourites for the Grand National?
The betting market is very unpredictable this far from the race, but 2025 winner Nick Rockett is among the 2026 Grand National favourites. 2025 Cheltenham Festival winner Jagwar is another leading contender.
Who will win the Grand National?
It’s tough to say in a field of this size, but the horses high up in the ante-post Grand National betting are the most likely winners.
What was the best horse to win the Grand National?
Red Rum is generally seen as the best Grand National horse in history, having won the famous race on three occasions in the 1970’s. More recently, Tiger Roll won the race twice.
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