Grand National Runners 2026

Find the latest Grand National odds and likely contenders for the 2026 renewal on this page. Oddschecker updates this in real-time, so you can compare prices across bookmakers as the market reacts to entries, weights, prep runs and ground updates.

The Grand National is the showpiece event of the Aintree Festival and one of the most famous races in world sport. The 2026 Randox Grand National is scheduled for 4:00pm on Saturday 11th April at Aintree, run over around 4m 2½f and featuring 30 fences.

Final participation won’t be confirmed until declarations, but the betting is a strong early guide to which horses are being aimed at Aintree and attracting sustained support. Below is a closer look at the current top 10 in the market, followed by race details, key form pointers, trends and FAQs.

If you want expert selections and deeper analysis, head to our Grand National tips page for previews, trends and race-day picks from proven racing tipsters.

The Grand National is widely regarded as the ultimate test in National Hunt racing, defined by several unique factors:

• Distance & stamina: Around 4m 2½f — a true endurance test where finishing effort matters as much as early position.
• National fences: 30 fences across two circuits, demanding accurate, efficient jumping at speed.
• Field size: A maximum of 34 runners, creating traffic, pressure and the need for big-field composure.
• Handicap conditions: Weights shape the race and markets can move sharply after the handicap is published.

Top 10 Horses in the Grand National Betting

Grangeclare West (10/1)

A Grade 1-winning novice in 2023, Grangeclare West looks a ready-made Grand National type and proved it when finishing third in this race last season, beaten just three lengths, behind Nick Rockett and I Am Maximus. Sent off at 33/1, he arguably looked the most likely winner before a costly mistake at the last, so he’s already shown he can travel and jump well enough around these fences. He arrives after a major Irish trial success in the Bobbyjo Chase, where he beat Gerri Colombe by 5½ lengths under Paul Townend — and that performance strengthens his case while also creating a notable jockey decision for Townend at Aintree.

I Am Maximus (10/1)

The standout Aintree profile in the market as the 2024 Grand National winner who followed up with an excellent second in 2025 behind stablemate Nick Rockett. This season, the ten-year-old exceeded expectations at 50/1 when finishing second in the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown, before finishing fifth in the Irish Gold Cup behind Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior. He’s now rated 1lb higher than last year but arguably arrives in stronger overall form, and punters will be watching closely to see whether Paul Townend keeps the ride given the stable depth.

Jagwar (12/1)

A progressive seven-year-old from Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero with strong chase form figures and a profile that continues to climb in big handicaps. He went close in a key National pointer when runner-up to Johnnywho in the Ultima over 3m+, shaping as though an even stiffer stamina test could suit. The main reservation is whether his jumping can stand up to the unique Aintree examination, but the market clearly respects his upside and the way he travels in strongly-run races.

Iroko (12/1)

Owned by JP McManus and trained by Greenall & Guerriero, Iroko has long appealed as an Aintree horse and his record at the track is a major plus: he’s placed on all three visits, including in this race last year. He finished fourth off 152 in the National and returns off 157, which is workable if he’s able to progress again with experience. The question is whether he can rebound from a below-par Cheltenham run behind Johnnywho, but his Aintree suitability keeps him firmly on the shortlist.

Haiti Couleurs (12/1)

One of the strongest stamina profiles in the early betting, Haiti Couleurs has already delivered at the marathon end of the spectrum. He won the 2025 National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham before following up in the Irish Grand National, and he’s been a three-time winner this season, including the Welsh Grand National and the Denman Chase. If there’s a concern, it’s that he needs to bounce back after pulling up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup — but at his best he brings proven staying power and toughness that typically translate well to Aintree.

Johnnywho (16/1)

A major market mover after his Cheltenham Festival success, Johnnywho won the 2026 Ultima Handicap Chase over 3m1f — a race with a strong recent record as a Grand National springboard. He did it in first-time cheekpieces after wind surgery, suggesting there may be further improvement to come, and he beat Jagwar in a strong-run big-field handicap that closely mirrors the National’s intensity. Crucially, he also looks effectively well-in at the weights, which is exactly the sort of edge punters seek at this stage of the market.

Monty’s Star (20/1)

A talented nine-year-old despite having only two wins from seventeen starts, Monty’s Star is respected largely on the depth of his high-class staying form rather than a prolific win record. He mixed it with elite company last season, including a solid fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and he has consistently shaped like a thorough stayer. The read here is that he appears to have been campaigned with this race as the main objective, so he’s one where a peak Aintree performance is entirely plausible if conditions and confidence are right.

Nick Rockett (20/1)

Last year’s Grand National winner who beat I Am Maximus by 2½ lengths under Patrick Mullins, Nick Rockett is already proven over the fences, the trip and the unique rhythm Aintree demands. He’s only been seen once since that win, finishing third at Down Royal behind Gerri Colombe and the veteran Roi Mage — not the most typical prep, but it strongly suggests the National has been the long-term target all along. His earlier “trial route” also explains why he remains respected in the market: he previously won established Irish handicaps like the Thyestes and the Bobbyjo, building a profile around stamina, jumping rhythm and spring peaking.

Oscars Brother (25/1)

Oscars Brother is a progressive Irish novice who has attracted serious attention after being bought by JP McManus. He announced himself with a Grade 2 success in the Ten Up Novice Chase at Navan, then ran well to finish fourth in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham on ground that may not have suited his strengths. That combination of upward curve and stamina-leaning chase form is why he appears on early Aintree shortlists at a bigger price, with the final decision likely hinging on whether connections opt for Aintree and how the weight and ground picture develop.

Captain Cody (25/1)

A proven marathon winner, Captain Cody’s biggest calling card is the 2025 Scottish Grand National at Ayr, where he was produced late off a patient ride to outstay the field. That kind of performance is highly relevant to Aintree, where conserving energy and finishing strongly is crucial. His price reflects a clear “stamina and staying handicap” identity rather than pure Grade 1 speed, but that can be an ideal makeup for this race if he’s able to get into a smooth jumping rhythm.

Grand National Form & Stamina Guide

The Grand National is a specialist race. Standard form matters, but the winning profile usually combines stamina, fluent jumping and the ability to cope with a frantic early pace in a large field.

Below is a guide to the key form and stamina factors to consider for the 2026 Grand National:

• Extreme stamina: Proven staying form over 3m+ is a major positive — and the stronger a horse finishes, the more relevant the evidence becomes for Aintree.
• Jumping efficiency: The best National types often jump economically rather than extravagantly, saving energy across 30 fences.
• Big-field comfort: Horses that travel kindly among rivals and handle traffic tend to avoid the stop-start rhythm that ruins many chances.
• Handicap suitability: Weights matter. Bettors often look for a blend of class and a mark that still leaves room to be well treated.

Grand National Trends & Historical Insights

Modern renewals of the Grand National have evolved, with modified fences and a reduced maximum field size, but the race remains a demanding two-lap, 30-fence test where stamina and jumping rhythm decide the outcome.

Here are a few historical patterns that continue to influence how bettors profile the race:

• Age profile: Recent winners have tended to be in their prime (often 7–9), with the modern era generally favouring athletic stayers rather than older grinders.
• Prep routes: Big spring handicaps — particularly Cheltenham Festival staying chases and established Irish trials — regularly feed directly into Aintree contenders.
• Class matters more now: The modern National has increasingly rewarded horses with strong Graded/elite handicap form, rather than only extreme outsiders.

Past 10 Grand National Winners

A quick look at the most recent 10 Grand National winners (excluding 2020, when the race was cancelled), including the winning jockey, trainer and SP/odds.

Year	Horse Name	Jockey	Trainer	Odds
2025	Nick Rockett	Mr Patrick Mullins	Willie Mullins	33/1
2024	I Am Maximus	Paul Townend	Willie Mullins	7/1 (JF)
2023	Corach Rambler	Derek Fox	Lucinda Russell	8/1 (F)
2022	Noble Yeats	Mr Sam Waley-Cohen	Emmet Mullins	50/1
2021	Minella Times	Rachael Blackmore	Henry de Bromhead	11/1
2019	Tiger Roll	Davy Russell	Gordon Elliott	4/1 (F)
2018	Tiger Roll	Davy Russell	Gordon Elliott	10/1
2017	One For Arthur	Derek Fox	Lucinda Russell	14/1
2016	Rule The World	David Mullins	Mouse Morris	33/1
2015	Many Clouds	Leighton Aspell	Oliver Sherwood	25/1

Note: The Grand National was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trainers & Jockey Records

The Grand National is a race many trainers target months in advance, but a small group of yards have repeatedly proven they can prepare horses to peak for the unique Aintree test.

• Gordon Elliott: The most successful active Grand National trainer in recent times, with three wins including Silver Birch (2007) and Tiger Roll (2018, 2019).
• Willie Mullins: A modern powerhouse who has added multiple National wins to his record in the last two seasons, while continuing to field deep Aintree squads.
• Nigel Twiston-Davies: A trainer with a long-standing Aintree pedigree, having won with Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002).
• Lucinda Russell: Twice a National-winning trainer in the modern era, including One For Arthur (2017) and Corach Rambler (2023).
• Paul Nicholls: Won with Neptune Collonges (2012) and remains a trainer who can peak one for Aintree when the profile fits.

From a jockey perspective, course management and composure are crucial — and history shows that experience can be a real edge in the heat of a 34-runner handicap.

• Most successful jockey (all-time): George Stevens holds the record with five Grand National wins.
• Modern multiple winners: Ruby Walsh won twice (Papillon, Hedgehunter), while Davy Russell twice partnered Tiger Roll to victory.
• Recent National-winning riders: Derek Fox has twice steered home the winner in the modern era, while Paul Townend and Patrick Mullins have also landed Aintree’s showpiece in recent renewals.

2026 Grand National Aintree Festival Schedule

Here’s a day-by-day guide to the 2026 Aintree Festival race programme, including gate opening times, scheduled off-times, race titles, distances and TV coverage where listed. Times are subject to change, so treat this as a useful running order for planning your day.

Opening Day – Thursday 9 April 2026

Gates open: 11:00am

1:45pm — The Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Grade 1)
Distance: 2m 4f
Televised: ITV

2:20pm — The William Hill Manifesto Novices' Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Grade 1)
Distance: 2m 1f
Televised: ITV

2:55pm — The Racing Welfare Bowl Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
Distance: 3m 1f
Televised: ITV

3:30pm — The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase (Class 2)
Distance: 2m 5f
Televised: ITV

4:05pm — The William Hill Aintree Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Grade 1)
Distance: 2m 4f
Televised: ITV

4:40pm — The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Premier Handicap)
Distance: 2m
Televised: ITV

5:15pm — The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 1) (Grade 2)
Distance: 2m 1f
Televised: —

Ladies Day – Friday 10 April 2026

Gates open: 10:30am

1:45pm — The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Premier Handicap)
Distance: 3m 1f
Televised: ITV

2:20pm — The William Hill Mildmay Novices' Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Grade 1)
Distance: 2m 4f
Televised: ITV

2:55pm — The ThatPrizeGuy Top Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Grade 1)
Distance: 2m ½f
Televised: ITV

3:30pm — The JCB Melling Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Grade 1)
Distance: 2m 4f
Televised: ITV

4:05pm — The Randox Topham Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Premier Handicap)
Distance: 2m 5f
Televised: ITV

4:40pm — The Oddschecker Sefton Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Grade 1)
Distance: 3m ½f
Televised: ITV

5:15pm — The Debenhams Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 2) (Conditional Jockeys’ and Amateur Riders’ Race)
Distance: 2m ½f
Televised: —

Randox Grand National Day – Saturday 11 April 2026

Gates open: 10:00am

12:45pm — The Hallgarten and Novum Wines Maghull Novices' Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Grade 1)
Distance: 2m
Televised: ITV

1:20pm — The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Premier Handicap)
Distance: 3m ½f
Televised: ITV

1:55pm — The Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Grade 1)
Distance: 2m 4f
Televised: ITV

2:30pm — The William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase (Registered as The Freebooter Handicap Steeple Chase) (Class 1) (Premier Handicap)
Distance: 3m 1f
Televised: ITV

3:05pm — The Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Grade 1)
Distance: 3m ½f
Televised: ITV

4:00pm — The Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Premier Handicap)
Distance: 4m 2½f
Televised: ITV

5:00pm — The Weatherbys NH Stallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 1) (Grade 2)
Distance: (Distance not listed above)
Televised: —

Grand National FAQs

Who are the confirmed runners in the 2026 Grand National?

Runners are not officially confirmed until declarations close to race day. Until then, the best guide is the betting market alongside entries and any withdrawals as trainers firm up plans.

When are the Grand National runners officially declared?

Declarations are made close to the race, and the final confirmed field is published shortly beforehand. Once declarations are announced, the market often becomes more informative because uncertainty around participation is removed.

How many horses usually run in the Grand National?

The Grand National is capped at a maximum field of 34 runners.

How far is the Grand National and how many fences do runners jump?

The Grand National is run over around 4m 2½f and features 30 fences across two circuits of the National course.

Where can I find the best odds for the Grand National?

You can compare live prices across bookmakers on Oddschecker’s Grand National winner odds page.

Where can I get Grand National betting tips?

Visit our Grand National tips page for expert selections, trend-led analysis and race-day updates as the picture becomes clearer.