Grand National Runners
Last Updated 5 days ago | By Anthony VellaThe 2026 Grand National has been and gone after a dramatic race which saw I Am Maximus chase down Jordans to win the famous race for a second time.
Could I Am Maximus come back for another tilt at the big prize in 2027? You can already back next year’s likely runners, courtesy of our Grand National 2027 runners list.
We also have the latest betting odds and Grand National free bets right here.
You can find the full 2026 Grand National results here too.
Grand National Runners 2027 - List of horses and odds
*Grand National 2027 runners odds last updated at 6pm on 8th May 2026, and are subject to change.
Grand National Runners List
The 2026 Grand National is still bright in our memories, so it’ll be some time before we find out the confirmed runners and riders for Grand National 2027.
An initial list of around 80 horses is typically revealed in early February, with a number of scratchings stages following, before we’re eventually left with 34 runners who will take on the famous spruce fences at Aintree.
March’s Cheltenham Festival invariably provides us with some key clues, helping to shape the final field before the confirmed line-up of 34 Grand National runners is announced on the Wednesday before race day.
Although the 2027 Grand National is still some months off, several bookmakers are already offering odds for next year’s race. It appears likely that a number of familiar names from recent renewals will feature prominently once again. I Am Maximus is now a two-time winner, coming out on top in both 2024 and 2026, and he is the early ante-post favourite for Grand National 2027.
Iroko is another name that followers of the Grand National will recognise after he followed a fourth place in 2025 by coming home as the runner-up in 2026.
Nick Rockett was unable to defend his Grand National crown in 2025, but he is expected to make a return next time round, while a new name to keep an eye on is Soldier In Milan, after he romped home in the Irish Grand National.
The confirmed horses for the 2027 Grand National will be listed alphabetically below, as soon as they’re announced. For now, you can find all the leading contenders, which we’ll update regularly.
- Banbridge
- Captain Cody
- Favori De Champdou
- Final Demand
- Gerri Colombe
- Grangeclare West
- Haiti Couleurs
- Holloway Queen
- I Am Maximus
- Inothewayurthinkin
- Iroko
- Jagwar
- Johnnywho
- Jordans
- Kiss Will
- Kitzbuhel
- Meetmebythesea
- Monty’s Star
- Mr Hope Street
- Nick Rockett
- Oscars Brother
- Panic Attack
- Perceval Legallois
- Quai de Bourbon
- Regent’s Stroll
- Soldier In Milan
- Spillane’s Tower
- Will The Wise
Who are the 2027 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. Bookmakers have launched ante-post betting markets for next April’s race, but with so many horses to pick from, here’s some brief information about the leading Grand National 2027 runners according to the latest ante-post betting odds:
I Am Maximus
- Age: 10
- Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Previous Grand National form: 1st in 2024, 2nd in 2025 and 1st in 2026
- Best known for: Winning the Grand National in 2024 before repeating the feat two years later.
- Grand National 2027 betting odds: 12/1
Iroko
- Age: 8
- Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
- Previous Grand National Form: 4th in 2025 and 2nd in 2026
- Best known for: Cheltenham Festival win in 2023, then going on to consecutive top four finishes in the Grand National.
- Grand National 2027 betting odds: 16/1
Soldier In Milan
- Age: 7
- Trainer: Emmet Mullins
- Previous Grand National Form: N/A
- Best known for: Dominating the Irish Grand National as a 7 year old, winning by 16 lengths.
- Grand National 2027 betting odds: 16/1
Jordans
- Age: 7
- Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien
- Previous Grand National Form: 3rd in 2026.
- Best known for: Third place in 2026 Grand National, having looked like a potential winner before a loose horse distracted him.
- Grand National 2027 betting odds: 16/1
Johnnywho
- Age: 9
- Trainer: Jonjo & A J O’Neill
- Previous Grand National Form: 4rd in 2026.
- Best known for: A stellar end to the 2025/26 season, winning the Ultima at Cheltenham, and finishing fourth in the Grand National a month later.
- Grand National 2027 betting odds: 25/1
*Odds displayed above correct at 4.30pm on 12th May 2026.
Grand National Runners with the same silks
You may have noticed some that some Grand National runners wear 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 2026. 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 |
|---|---|
| I Am Maximus Jagwar Iroko Johnnywho Oscars Brother Perceval Legallois |
Green & yellow |
| Stellar Story Favori de Champdou Quai de Bourbon |
Maroon & white |
Grey Grand National runners
Grey horses always prove popular in the Grand National, partly because they are often such good looking horses, and also as they are invariably easy to pick out in a large field. The number of greys was down for 2026, but there were as many as 7 grey runners to choose from in the 2025 race. The 2027 is still some way from being confirmed, but Kitzbuhel is one horse which could carry the hopes of grey backers.
Previous Grand National Winners
The 2026 Grand National went ahead in front of the usual packed stands, with a field of 34 runners for the second year. The Grand National odds were tight for much of the build up, with Haiti Couleurs, I Am Maximus and Panic Attack all moving into the position of ante-post favourite as the race drew nearer. Ultimately, a flood of late money came for I Am Maximus, and it was well and truly proved vindicated, as he powered past Jordans after the final fence to win by 2½ lengths from Iroko. Here are the 10 previous Grand National winners:
- 2026 – I Am Maximus
- 2025 – 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
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 potential Grand National runners is announced. As we near the 2027 Aintree Grand National, this will be 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.
- This year, the Grand National entries closed on 3rd February, giving us a longlist of 78 horses. Previous years have seen this Grand National entries list stretch to in excess of 100 horses, so it’s significantly down on that number.
- The Grand National weights are then revealed in mid-February, ranking the Grand National horses from one to 34 and beyond.
- In 2026, the first scratchings deadline was on the 4th of March, with the number of potential runners trimmed to 69.
- The second scratchings came three weeks later, around 25th March, after the twists and turns of the Cheltenham Festival had all played out.
- Five-day confirmations were announced on 6th April 2026.
- Final declarations were moved 24 hours earlier for 2026, so were announced on Wednesday 8th April at 10am, featuring the top 34 Grand National horses from the weights list, plus 6 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 2026 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, down 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 Wednesday before the Grand National, any horse withdrawn from the race is classed as a non-runner. For the 2027 Grand National, the declarations will be confirmed on Wednesday 7th April.
The race operates with a reserve system, where up to six standby horses, an increase on previous years, 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 2026 results and odds
The 2026 Grand National took place on 11th April at 4pm. Powerhouse trainer Willie Mullins came out on top once again, as I Am Maximus emerged victorious. Mullins’ horses also finished fifth and eight, with the result reminding the racing world that Mullins remain the man to beat.
| Position | Grand National runners | Grand National riders | 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 |
Grand National Runners FAQs
Find more relevant information when it comes to Grand National runners in our FAQs below.
When is the 2027 Grand National?
Grand National 2026 is scheduled for Saturday 10th April, at 4pm. The three-day festival starts on 8th April 2027.
What time is the Grand National 2027?
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 2027 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 2027 Grand National?
The 34 Grand National runners and riders are confirmed a couple of days before the race. The horses that will head to Aintree are likely to include two-time Grand National winner I Am Maximus, and 2025 champion Nick Rockett.
Is Rachael Blackmore riding in the 2027 Grand National?
No, Rachael Blackmore announced her retirement and so will not be riding in Grand National 2027.
Are there any grey horses in the 2027 Grand National?
There were a total of seven grey horses running in the 2025 race, but the number was well down for 2026. Kitzbuhel is one grey horse that may be targeted at the Grand National for 2027.
Who are the favourites for the 2027 Grand National?
The betting market remains very open at this early stage, but I Am Maximus is should be in and around the favourites heading into next year’s race after coming out on top for the second time in three years. The rest of the top four from 2026 – Iroko, Jordans and Johnnywho – are all amongst the favourites too, while Irish Grand National winner, Soldier In Milan, is expected to contend too.
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. I Am Maximus is an obvious horse to side with, given the last three years have seen him win in 2024 and 2026, in addition to a second place finish in 2025.
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, while I Am Maximus has to be considered amongst the greats too, after becoming a two-time champion.
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