Grand National 2026: Full Field Confirmed with Favourite I Am Maximus Leading the Charge
The official lineup for the 2026 Grand National has been unveiled, featuring thirty-four horses set to compete in the iconic steeplechase at Aintree. The field is headlined by the clear favourite, I Am Maximus, who previously triumphed in the 2024 edition under the guidance of legendary trainer Willie Mullins.
Dramatic Withdrawal of Defending Champion
In a significant pre-race development, the 2025 winner Nick Rockett has been forced to withdraw from the competition after being diagnosed with a cough on Thursday morning. This unexpected turn of events has paved the way for first reserve Pied Piper, trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, to step into the vacant spot on the starting line.
Despite this setback for trainer Willie Mullins, the Irish maestro remains strongly positioned with two of last year's top three finishers still in contention. I Am Maximus is joined by stablemate Grangeclare West, ensuring Mullins has multiple shots at securing a historic fourth Grand National victory. Achieving this milestone would place him alongside racing greats Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell as the most successful trainers in the event's storied history.
Jockey Assignments and Reserve Contingencies
Paul Townend retains the ride on favourite I Am Maximus, while Patrick Mullins has fortuitously switched mounts from the withdrawn Nick Rockett to Grangeclare West prior to the announcement. Another notable entry is Spillane's Tower, whose participation has raised eyebrows as the horse is also scheduled to run in Thursday's Bowl race at Aintree.
Should Spillane's Tower compete on the first day of the festival, his Grand National berth would be allocated to the next reserve, Imperial Saint. The reserve deadline is set for 1pm on Friday, with Amirite, Ain't That A Shame, Deep Cave, and Buddy One next in line should any additional withdrawals occur.
Betting Odds and Key Contenders
I Am Maximus currently leads the betting market at 7/1, followed closely by Grangeclare West, Panic Attack, and Jagwar, all priced at 9/1. The complete list of confirmed runners and riders is as follows:
- I Am Maximus (7-1) - Jockey: Paul Townend, Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Pied Piper (100-1) - Jockey: TBC, Trainer: Philip Hobbs and Johnson White
- Banbridge (33-1) - Jockey: JJ Slevin, Trainer: Joseph O'Brien
- Grangeclare West (9-1) - Jockey: Patrick Mullins, Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Gerri Colombe (25-1) - Jockey: Jack Kennedy, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
- Haiti Couleurs (12-1) - Jockey: Sean Bowen, Trainer: Rebecca Curtis
- Spillane's Tower (28-1) - Jockey: Simon Torrens, Trainer: Jimmy Mangan
- Firefox (50-1) - Jockey: Keith Donoghue, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
- Monty's Star (16-1) - Jockey: Darragh O'Keeffe, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
- Spanish Harlem (33-1) - Jockey: Brian Hayes, Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Lecky Watson (28-1) - Jockey: Sean O'Keeffe, Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Champ Kiely (25-1) - Jockey: Danny Mullins, Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Iroko (10-1) - Jockey: Jonjo O'Neill Jr, Trainer: Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero
- Favori de Champdou (33-1) - Jockey: Danny Gillgan, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
- Three Card Brag (40-1) - Jockey: Jordan Gainford, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
- Oscars Brother (14-1) - Jockey: Daniel King, Trainer: Connor King
- Mr Vango (40-1) - Jockey: Jack Tudor, Trainer: Sara Bradstock
- High Class Hero (50-1) - Jockey: James Bowen, Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Stellar Story (25-1) - Jockey: Robbie Dunne, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
- Beauport (66-1) - Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies, Trainer: Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies
- Captain Cody (16-1) - Jockey: Jonathan Burke, Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Jagwar (9-1) - Jockey: Mark Walsh, Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
- Perceval Legallois (25-1) - Jockey: Harry Cobden, Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
- Gorgeous Tom (28-1) - Jockey: Sean Flanagan, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
- The Real Whacker (66-1) - Jockey: Gavin Sheehan, Trainer: Patrick Neville
- Quai de Bourbon (25-1) - Jockey: Donagh Meyler, Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Answer To Kayf (66-1) - Jockey: John Shinnick, Trainer: Terence O'Brien
- Jordans (33-1) - Jockey: Ben Jones, Trainer: Joseph O'Brien
- Final Orders (20-1) - Jockey: Conor Stone-Walsh, Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
- Marble Sands (125-1) - Jockey: Kielan Woods, Trainer: David Killahena and Graeme McPherson
- Panic Attack (8-1) - Jockey: Harry Skelton, Trainer: Dan Skelton
- Top Of The Bill (100-1) - Jockey: Toby McCain-Mitchell, Trainer: Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies
- Johnnywho (12-1) - Jockey: Richie McLernon, Trainer: Jonjo and AJ O'Neill
- Twig (50-1) - Jockey: Beau Morgan, Trainer: Ben Pauling
Historic Timing Change and Safety Measures
This year marks a historic first for the Grand National, with final declarations being made seventy-two hours in advance of the race, rather than the traditional forty-eight-hour window. This adjustment, implemented by Jockey Club organizers, aims to build greater anticipation and aligns Aintree's procedures with other premier racing events like the Epsom Derby, which adopted similar timing last year.
Additionally, the 2026 edition represents the third consecutive year the National will feature a reduced field of thirty-four runners, down from the previous forty. This strategic reduction is part of ongoing efforts to enhance safety standards in what is widely regarded as one of horse racing's most challenging and perilous competitions.
