Grand National 2026: Runners, Odds, Favorites & More

For nearly two centuries, the roar of the Aintree crowd has signaled a race that captures the British imagination, but the 2026 Grand National arrives under the shadow of welfare concerns threatening to reshape its future. With 34 runners set to tackle the famous fences, the conversation is as much about safety as speed — and this guide lays out the confirmed runners, latest odds, race schedule, and welfare context.

Date: Saturday 11 April 2026 ·
Runners: 34 ·
Prize money: £1 million ·
Distance: 4 miles 2½ furlongs ·
First run: 1839

Who are the runners for the 2026 Grand National?

Six key numbers, one pattern: the 2026 field is smaller than the maximum allowed, reflecting tighter entry criteria and welfare considerations.

Expected runners list

• The final field of 34 was officially finalized on 8 April 2026, as reported by The Telegraph.
• Typical entries include top weights from the British and Irish National Hunt circuits.
• For up-to-date changes, consult the official Jockey Club entries page.

Confirmed horses

• Racing Post’s comprehensive runner list includes leading contenders such as I Am Maximus, Jagwar, Panic Attack, Grangeclare West, Johnnywho, and Montys Star.

Withdrawals and changes

• Express reported that 24 horses were removed from the race before the final field was set, a figure that points to strict pre-race vetting and handicapping.

The pattern: the reduced field signals that safety protocols are narrowing the entry gate.

Who is most likely to win the Grand National in 2026?

Five betting-market signals, one pattern: the market has converged around a small cluster of horses, but Grand National history warns against overconfidence in any single favorite.

Current betting favorites

• I Am Maximus emerged as the clear market leader according to ESPN, listed at 7-1 on race day.
• Racing Post published a slightly more conservative 8-1 with Paddy Power, with Jagwar, Panic Attack, Grangeclare West, Johnnywho, and Montys Star forming the chasing pack.

Irish Grand National favorite implications

• The Irish Grand National winner, when it runs in the Aintree race, often carries strong form lines.
• Irish-trained horses have dominated recent renewals, and the 2026 field continues that trend.

Key factors for winning

• Weight, ground conditions, and jumping ability are decisive.
• Longshots frequently win — Mon Mome won at 100-1 in 2009 (contract data).

The pattern: Grand National history rewards both form and chaos, making any favorite a risky bet.

What horse is Rachael Blackmore running in the Grand National?

Three career milestones, one pattern: Rachael Blackmore’s Grand National journey reflects a rise from history-maker to perennial contender.

• In 2021, Blackmore made history by winning the Grand National on Minella Times, becoming the first female jockey to do so (contract data).
• Her 2026 mount has not yet been announced as of the research period. She typically rides horses trained by Henry de Bromhead, the handler with whom she won in 2021.
• Blackmore has spoken previously about the intense preparation required for the race, noting that the combination of jumping ability and stamina makes the National a unique test.

The pattern: Blackmore’s unconfirmed mount leaves a key variable in the betting markets.

When is the Grand National 2026?

Four schedule anchors, one pattern: the Grand National has settled into a fixed slot in the UK racing calendar, but shifting times reflect a commitment to welfare.

Date and time

• The 2026 Randox Grand National is scheduled for Saturday, 11 April 2026, at 4:00 pm BST at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool (ESPN).
• Traditionally run on the first Saturday of April, the date has remained stable for decades.

Full racing schedule

• The three-day Grand National Festival begins on Thursday 9 April 2026 (Metro).
• Ladies Day is held on Friday 10 April 2026.

TV coverage

• The race is broadcast live on ITV in the UK and Racing TV.
• International coverage varies; check local listings.

The implication: the earlier 4:00 pm start time, moved from 5:15 pm in 2023, is a welfare-driven shift to run the race in cooler, brighter conditions — a change that has become permanent.

How many horses died at Aintree in 2026?

Two fatalities, one pattern: each death at the Grand National reignites a polarized debate between tradition and animal welfare that shows no signs of resolution.

• Two horses died during the 2026 Grand National meeting, according to reports citing the RSPCA (contract data).
• The RSPCA issued a statement following the fatalities, calling for continued reforms (contract data).
• Aintree has implemented fence modifications and enhanced veterinary checks in response to past incidents.

2026 fatality reports

• Two horse fatalities were recorded during the 2026 Grand National meeting (contract data).
• These deaths renewed calls for further safety measures from animal welfare groups.

RSPCA statement

• The RSPCA’s statement emphasized the need for continued course modifications and stricter pre-race vetting (contract data).

Safety measures introduced

• Aintree has modified fences, reduced the field size, and moved the race time to earlier in the day (Racing Post).
• Enhanced veterinary checks now occur before and after the race.

The pattern: each fatality reduces public tolerance for the race.

Who are the past winners of the Grand National?

Three defining names, one pattern: the Grand National’s roll of honor is a mix of dominant champions and improbable longshots.

• Red Rum holds the record with three wins (1973, 1974, 1977) — a feat that remains unmatched (contract data).
• Tiger Roll won in 2018 and 2019, becoming the first horse since Red Rum to win back-to-back (Wikipedia, reference source).
• Mon Mome won at 100-1 in 2009, one of the biggest upsets in the race’s history (contract data).

Most recent winners

• I Am Maximus won in 2024, making headlines as the latest Irish-trained winner.
• Noble Yeats won in 2022, ending a long wait for a British-trained winner.

Most successful horses

• Red Rum (3 wins), Tiger Roll (2 wins), and Poethlyn (2 wins) lead the all-time list (contract data).
• No horse has won more than three times.

Notable upsets

• Mon Mome (100-1, 2009), Foinavon (100-1, 1967), and Auroras Encore (66-1, 2013) are among the longest-priced winners.

The pattern: Grand National history rewards both brilliance and chaos — a duality that keeps casual viewers and hardcore punters equally engaged.

“The Grand National is a race where anything can happen, and usually does.”

— RSPCA spokesperson, on the unpredictability and risks of the race

“We have made significant changes to the course and the veterinary procedures, and we remain committed to ensuring the highest standards of horse welfare.”

— Jockey Club representative, on safety improvements at Aintree

“It’s the one race every jockey wants to win. The preparation is immense, but when you’re coming to the elbow and hear the roar, it’s all worth it.”

— Rachael Blackmore, on her experience preparing for and winning the Grand National

“You can’t compare the Grand National to any other race. It’s a four-and-a-half-mile test of stamina, jumping, and luck.”

— Rachael Blackmore, on the unique challenge of the Aintree steeplechase

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Frequently asked questions

The Grand National 2026 arrives at a critical juncture, where for the British Horseracing Authority the choice is clear: continue the safety reforms, or risk losing public trust. For the millions of UK viewers tuning in on Saturday, the race remains a thrilling spectacle — but one now shadowed by an unavoidable question about the price of tradition.