Grand National 2026: I Am Maximus Leads Favorites as Field of 34 Confirmed
Grand National 2026: I Am Maximus Leads Favorites

Grand National 2026: Full Runners and Riders List Confirmed

The stage is set for the 2026 Grand National, with the official lineup of 34 horses and riders now confirmed for this afternoon's iconic steeplechase at Aintree. In a historic first, final declarations were made 72 hours in advance, breaking from the traditional 48-hour window to build anticipation throughout the week.

Favorites and Key Contenders

The field is led by the clear favorite, I Am Maximus, who won the Grand National for trainer Willie Mullins in 2024. Currently priced at 7/1, this horse represents Mullins' best chance at securing a fourth victory, which would place him alongside legendary trainers Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell as the most successful in the race's history.

However, the lineup has seen significant last-minute changes. The 2025 winner, Nick Rockett, was forced to withdraw on Thursday morning after developing a cough. This unexpected development benefits Imperial Saint, trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, who now takes a spot on the start line after first reserve Pied Piper also withdrew.

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Despite this setback, Willie Mullins remains strongly represented with two of last year's top three finishers. Alongside I Am Maximus, Grangeclare West (9/1) will compete, with Patrick Mullins switching rides from the withdrawn Nick Rockett just in time.

Notable Withdrawals and Replacements

Another late change saw Spillane's Tower withdrawn after running in Thursday's Bowl race, with Amirite (80/1) taking its place. These adjustments highlight the unpredictable nature of the Grand National, where even confirmed starters can face last-minute hurdles.

The current betting favorites behind I Am Maximus include:

  • Grangeclare West at 9/1
  • Panic Attack at 9/1
  • Jagwar at 9/1

Confirmed Grand National 2026 Runners and Riders

The complete list of 34 confirmed participants is as follows:

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  1. I Am Maximus (7/1) – Jockey: Paul Townend, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  2. Imperial Saint (50/1) – Jockey: Callum Pritchard, Trainer: Philip Hobbs and Johnson White
  3. Banbridge (33/1) – Jockey: JJ Slevin, Trainer: Joseph O'Brien
  4. Grangeclare West (9/1) – Jockey: Patrick Mullins, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  5. Gerri Colombe (25/1) – Jockey: Jack Kennedy, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
  6. Haiti Couleurs (12/1) – Jockey: Sean Bowen, Trainer: Rebecca Curtis
  7. Amirite (80/1) – Jockey: Phillip Enright, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
  8. Firefox (50/1) – Jockey: Keith Donoghue, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
  9. Monty's Star (16/1) – Jockey: Darragh O'Keeffe, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
  10. Spanish Harlem (33/1) – Jockey: Brian Hayes, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  11. Lecky Watson (28/1) – Jockey: Sean O'Keeffe, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  12. Champ Kiely (25/1) – Jockey: Danny Mullins, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  13. Iroko (10/1) – Jockey: Jonjo O'Neill Jr, Trainer: Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero
  14. Favori de Champdou (33/1) – Jockey: Danny Gillgan, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
  15. Three Card Brag (40/1) – Jockey: Jordan Gainford, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
  16. Oscars Brother (14/1) – Jockey: Daniel King, Trainer: Connor King
  17. Mr Vango (40/1) – Jockey: Jack Tudor, Trainer: Sara Bradstock
  18. High Class Hero (50/1) – Jockey: James Bowen, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  19. Stellar Story (25/1) – Jockey: Robbie Dunne, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
  20. Beauport (66/1) – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies, Trainer: Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies
  21. Captain Cody (16/1) – Jockey: Jonathan Burke, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  22. Jagwar (9/1) – Jockey: Mark Walsh, Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
  23. Perceval Legallois (25/1) – Jockey: Harry Cobden, Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
  24. Gorgeous Tom (28/1) – Jockey: Sean Flanagan, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
  25. The Real Whacker (66/1) – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan, Trainer: Patrick Neville
  26. Quai de Bourbon (25/1) – Jockey: Donagh Meyler, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  27. Answer To Kayf (66/1) – Jockey: John Shinnick, Trainer: Terence O'Brien
  28. Jordans (33/1) – Jockey: Ben Jones, Trainer: Joseph O'Brien
  29. Final Orders (20/1) – Jockey: Conor Stone-Walsh, Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
  30. Marble Sands (125/1) – Jockey: Kielan Woods, Trainer: David Killahena and Graeme McPherson
  31. Panic Attack (8/1) – Jockey: Harry Skelton, Trainer: Dan Skelton
  32. Top Of The Bill (100/1) – Jockey: Toby McCain-Mitchell, Trainer: Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies
  33. Johnnywho (12/1) – Jockey: Richie McLernon, Trainer: Jonjo and AJ O'Neill
  34. Twig (50/1) – Jockey: Beau Morgan, Trainer: Ben Pauling

Historic Changes and Safety Measures

This year marks the third Grand National held with 34 runners since the field was reduced from 40 in 2024. This reduction is part of ongoing safety improvements for what is notoriously one of horse racing's most dangerous events.

The extended 72-hour declaration period brings Aintree in line with other major racing events, including the Epsom Derby, which implemented similar timing last year. Jockey Club organizers hope this change will generate additional excitement and discussion in the days leading up to the race.

As the horses prepare for the challenging Aintree course, all eyes will be on whether Willie Mullins can secure his historic fourth victory or if an underdog will emerge triumphant in this unpredictable and thrilling spectacle.