Grand National Horses: Runners, Odds & Tips
Aintree’s Grand National is one of those races that even people who don’t follow horse racing stop to watch. With 34 runners charging over 30 fences across 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, picking a winner is part luck, part data.
Number of Runners: 34 (2026) ·
Distance: 4 miles 2½ furlongs (6,907 m) ·
Prize Fund (2026): £1 million ·
Record Winner: Red Rum (3 wins) ·
Most Recent Winner (2026): I Am Maximus ·
Next Race Date: April 2027 (tbc)
Quick snapshot
- 34 horses started in the 2026 Grand National (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
- Winner: I Am Maximus (jockey Paul Townend) (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
- Full runner list available from The Jockey Club (Grand National Guide (racing reference site))
- Exact 2027 runner list not yet announced (Grand National Guide (racing reference site))
- Which horse will be favourite in 2027 unknown (Grand National Guide (racing reference site))
- First race run in 1839 (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
- Red Rum wins three times (1973-1977) (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
- Field reduced to 34 in 2023 for safety (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
- 2026 race won by I Am Maximus (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
- Next Grand National expected April 2027 (Horse & Hound (equine magazine))
- Date TBC; new runners and odds to be announced (Horse & Hound (equine magazine))
Seven key facts that define the Grand National’s scale and history.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Race distance | 4 miles 2½ furlongs (6,907 m) |
| Number of fences | 30 |
| Most wins by a horse | 3 (Red Rum) |
| 2026 Winner | I Am Maximus |
| 2026 Winning Jockey | Paul Townend |
| 2026 Winning Trainer | Willie Mullins |
| 2026 Prize for winner | £500,000 |
Who are the runners in the 2026 Grand National?
List of confirmed runners and jockeys
The 2026 Grand National field of 34 runners was confirmed on 24 March 2026, with the full list published by BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster). Top-weighted runner I Am Maximus carried 11st 12lb, while the field included Banbridge, Grangeclare West, Gerri Colombe and Haiti Couleurs. William Hill’s own runner-by-runner analysis, published on 10 April 2026, ranked Captain Cody first and I Am Maximus second in its 1-2-3-4-5 prediction (William Hill News (bookmaker’s racing news)).
How the 34-runner field is determined
The final list of runners is determined by entries, weights, declarations, non-runners, and a final confirmation stage, according to Grand National Guide (racing reference site). The maximum field was reduced from 40 to 34 in 2023 as a safety measure, a change that the Jockey Club called “the most significant in the race’s history.”
The 34-runner limit means fewer horses jostling for position at the first fence, but it also makes the betting market tighter. Bettors now have a smaller, more selective pool to analyse.
Who is favourite to win the Grand National?
Current betting odds for the favourite
I Am Maximus was the 5/1 favourite for the 2026 Grand National and went on to win, as reported by BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster). The favourite has won roughly one in seven runnings since 2010, a strike rate of about 14% according to historical data compiled by Horse & Hound (equine magazine).
How favourites have performed historically
Favourites in the Grand National have a mixed record. While I Am Maximus justified his odds in 2026, the previous year’s favourite (2025) finished outside the places. The unpredictability is part of the race’s appeal, but data shows that horses carrying less than 11 stone tend to outperform heavyweights.
A favourite’s win is never a sure thing, but the 14% strike rate means that blindly backing the market leader is a losing strategy over time. The better approach is to look for horses with course experience and a recent win over a similar distance.
What’s the best horse to pick in the Grand National?
Factors to consider: weight, form, jockey
No single “best” horse exists because performance depends on ground conditions, weight, and luck. Horses carrying 10-11 stone often perform well, while those with a burden above 11 stone rarely win. Age also matters: horses aged 8 to 11 tend to be the most successful, according to analysis from Racing TV (racing broadcaster).
Expert tips from racing analysts
William Hill’s tipster Steve Mullington ranked Captain Cody first in his 1-2-3-4-5 prediction, followed by I Am Maximus, Spanish Harlem, Perceval Legallois and Jagwar (William Hill News (bookmaker’s racing news)). Meanwhile, Mark Walsh, a Gold Cup-winning jockey, picked Jagwar as his top choice, noting its stamina and jumping ability (Horse & Hound (equine magazine)). Longer-priced each-way bets included Oscars Brother and Spanish Harlem.
Do jockeys get paid if they don’t win?
Standard jockey fees and prize money splits
Jockeys receive a riding fee regardless of finish, typically around £170 per ride, as confirmed by Horse & Hound (equine magazine). If they win, they also get a percentage of the prize money—usually 8-10% of the winner’s share, which in 2026 was £500,000, meaning a potential bonus of £40,000 to £50,000.
Insurance and retainer arrangements
Jockeys riding for top trainers often have retainer agreements that guarantee a base income. In the Grand National, all jockeys are covered by insurance in case of injury, but the riding fee is the only guaranteed payment for a non-winning ride. The system ensures that jockeys are compensated for the risk, even if they don’t finish in the money.
What time is the Grand National?
The 2026 race time (17:00 BST)
The 2026 Grand National started at 17:00 BST on Saturday 11 April, as scheduled by BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster). The race traditionally takes place at the same time each year, making it a late-afternoon fixture that attracts a massive television audience.
TV coverage and live streaming
In the UK, the Grand National was broadcast live on ITV and Racing TV, with streaming available via the ITVX platform and the Racing TV app. International viewers could access coverage through local broadcasters or via official racecourse streaming services.
Timeline: Grand National history
- 1839 – First Grand National run (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
- 1973-1977 – Red Rum wins three times (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
- 2023 – Field reduced to 34 runners for safety (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
- 11 April 2026 – 2026 Grand National won by I Am Maximus (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
- 2027 (expected) – Next Grand National (date TBC) (Horse & Hound (equine magazine))
Confirmed facts
- 2026 winner: I Am Maximus (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
- 34 runners in 2026 (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
- Jockey riding fee paid regardless of win (Horse & Hound (equine magazine))
What’s unclear
- Exact 2027 runner list (not yet announced)
- Which horse will be favourite in 2027
“The reduction of the field from 40 to 34 is the most significant change in the race’s history.”
— The Jockey Club, as reported by BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster)
“Captain Cody has the ideal profile for this race.”
— Steve Mullington, tipster for William Hill, William Hill News (bookmaker’s racing news)
“Jagwar has the stamina and jumping ability to excel.”
— Mark Walsh, Gold Cup-winning jockey, Horse & Hound (equine magazine)
The 2026 Grand National showed that the safety changes haven’t dimmed the race’s unpredictability. For bettors, the smart money will continue to watch for young horses with low weights and course experience—because those are the ones that keep the bookmakers on edge.
Related reading: Grand National runners and riders guide · Grand National betting tips and predictions
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For an in-depth look at each contender, consult the full list of 2026 runners and odds for the Grand National.
Frequently asked questions
How many horses run in the Grand National?
Up to 34 horses run in the Grand National since the field was reduced from 40 in 2023. The 2026 race had 34 runners.
Who is the most successful horse in Grand National history?
Red Rum holds the record with three wins (1973, 1974, 1977).
Can I bet on the Grand National online?
Yes, most major bookmakers offer online betting on the Grand National, including William Hill, Bet365, and others.
What is the age limit for horses in the Grand National?
Horses must be aged 7 or older to run in the Grand National. Most winners are aged 8 to 11.
How are Grand National runners selected?
Runners are selected based on entries, weights, declarations, non-runners, and a final confirmation stage. The highest-weighted horses get priority.
What happens to jockeys if their horse falls?
Jockeys still receive their riding fee, and they are covered by insurance for injuries. They do not earn prize money unless they finish.
Is the Grand National the same distance every year?
Yes, the race is run over 4 miles 2½ furlongs (6,907 m) each year.
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