Grand National Horses 2026: Runners, Favourites, Results & Odds

Few horse races stop an entire nation like the Grand National. Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or someone who only tunes in for this one Saturday in April, there’s something magnetic about seeing 34 horses thunder towards the first fence at Aintree.

Number of runners (2026): 34 ·
Prize money: £1 million ·
Distance: 4 miles 2½ furlongs ·
Most wins (horse): Red Rum (3)

The 2026 Grand National field was cut from 40 to 34 runners — a safety-driven reduction that shaped the entire race. Here’s a snapshot of the key facts.

Sources: ESPN (runner count), The Jockey Club (prize money), Wikipedia (distance, Red Rum, first run).

What are the horses running in the Grand National?

The 2026 Grand National at Aintree on 11 April featured 34 declared runners, down from the traditional 40 in a move aimed at improving safety. Irish-trained horses dominated the field, reflecting the current strength of National Hunt racing across the Irish Sea.

Who is the favourite horse to win the Grand National?

• I Am Maximus was the 9/2 favourite (The Jockey Club)
• Panic Attack followed at 7/1 (ESPN)
• Jagwar was priced at 15/2 (ESPN)

What horse has the best chance of winning today?

According to final declarations published by William Hill News, I Am Maximus (9/2) was the market leader, followed by Grangeclare West (8/1) and Johnnywho (11/1). The favourite justified his odds by winning the race.

What are the odds for the Grand National 2026?

Odds were subject to change up to the off. Leading contenders at post time included:

• I Am Maximus – 9/2 (The Jockey Club)
• Panic Attack – 7/1 (ESPN)
• Jagwar – 15/2 (ESPN)
• Grangeclare West – 8/1 (ESPN)
• Johnnywho – 11/1 (ESPN)
• Monty’s Star – 12/1 (ESPN)
• Iroko – 14/1 (ESPN)
• Captain Cody – 18/1 (ESPN)

The pattern: the favourite’s odds held steady, and the race confirmed the market’s top selection.

What horses finished in the Grand National today?

The 2026 Grand National was run on 11 April 2026 at Aintree. I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins, crossed the line first, with Iroko second, Jordans third, Johnnywho fourth, and High Class Hero fifth (The Jockey Club).

What time is the Grand National 2026?

The 2026 Grand National was scheduled for 17:00 BST on Saturday 11 April 2026 (ESPN).

Who are the past Grand National winners?

The race has a rich history. Red Rum holds the record with three wins (1973, 1974, 1977). Other multiple winners include Tiger Roll (2018, 2019). The most recent champion before 2026 was I Am Maximus.

• Red Rum – 3 wins (1973, 1974, 1977) (Wikipedia)
• Tiger Roll – 2 wins (2018, 2019) (Wikipedia)
• I Am Maximus – 2026 (The Jockey Club)

Jockey Frankie Dettori has also competed in the Grand National.

The implication: Irish trainers now have a stranglehold on the Grand National.

Was a jockey injured in the Grand National?

No major jockey injuries were reported in the 2026 Grand National. Safety measures, including the reduced field and modified fences, have significantly lowered the injury rate in recent years (Racing Post). However, historically the race has seen serious falls. In 2023, jockey John McConnell was taken to hospital after a fall (Wikipedia).

Do jockeys get paid if they don’t win?

Yes, jockeys receive an appearance fee – typically around £200–£300 per ride – regardless of finishing position. They also earn a percentage of any prize money won (usually 8–10% of the owner’s share). For unplaced horses, the jockey still gets the basic fee. The “no win no pay” myth is false for professional National Hunt jockeys (The Jockey Club).

The catch: while the winner’s jockey earned a significant bonus, the majority of riders depended on the base fee.

Do jockeys get paid if they don’t win?

This question is so common it deserves its own section. Jockeys in the Grand National are paid a riding fee by the owner or trainer – typically £200–£300 – win or lose. If they finish in the top five, they also receive a percentage of the prize money. The average earnings per ride in the 2026 National, factoring in appearance fees, range from £200 to over £10,000 for the winner (The Jockey Club).

The reality: the myth of “no win, no pay” does not apply to professional jockeys in this race.

Who owns Nick Rockett’s horse?

The horse named Nick Rockett was among the declared runners for the 2026 Grand National, according to the final declarations published by William Hill News. However, the ownership of Nick Rockett is not publicly confirmed in available sources. The name “Nick Rockett” is the horse’s racing name, and owners are typically listed in racecards. As of the latest declarations, ownership details for Nick Rockett had not been published by major racing outlets.

What horses does JP McManus own?

JP McManus is one of the most prominent owners in National Hunt racing, with multiple horses entered in Grand Nationals over the years. Among the 2026 declared runners, Banbridge and Gerri Colombe were both listed as owned by McManus, according to the official runner list from William Hill News. McManus has owned multiple Grand National winners, including 2010 winner Don’t Push It.

The implication: McManus’s deep pockets continue to shape the race’s competitive landscape.

Timeline

• 1839 – First Grand National held at Aintree (Wikipedia)
• 1973 – Red Rum wins first of three Grand Nationals (Wikipedia)
• 11 April 2026 – Grand National run with 34 runners; I Am Maximus wins (The Jockey Club)

The pattern: the race has evolved from a 40-runner free-for-all to a safer, more controlled event.

What we know – and what we don’t

The takeaway: most key facts for the 2026 race are settled, but the 2027 edition remains uncertain.

Quotes from the experts

The Grand National once again had 34 runners for safety reasons, with no non-runners.

Racing Post

The Grand National is a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree.

Wikipedia

The 2026 Grand National confirmed that reducing the field to 34 runners works – fewer fallers, cleaner race, and a deserving winner. For the owners and jockeys, every year is a new gamble. For the sport, the challenge is maintaining that safety balance while keeping the race’s epic character. For fans, the question is always: who will be next year’s I Am Maximus? The choice is clear: back the trends (Irish-trained, proven form) or take a risk on a longshot.

For fans, the choice is clear: back the trends or take a risk on a longshot.

Related reading: **Grand National runners and odds 2026** · **Grand National runners and odds**

Frequently asked questions

The bottom line: the Grand National continues to evolve, balancing tradition with safety.