The 34 runners and riders for the 2026 Grand National have edged closer to being confirmed, after the latest scratchings stage in the aftermath of the Cheltenham Festival.
I Am Maximus shares favouritism for the race despite being the top weight, as he aims to follow up his 2024 victory and a second place finish in 2025 with another prominent run. Joint favouritism is shared with Grangeclare West who came home in third place last year.
There was good news for early backers of Panic Attack, as he now sits as the 34th and last runner, but supporters of Johnnywho face an anxious wait as the winner of this year’s Ultima is still relying on two other horses to be withdrawn.
Grand National runners & favourites 2026
Find the leading Grand National runners below, alongside their odds and our guide on which are the best horses to back. The leading contenders are listed below, and you can access the full list on our dedicated Grand National site.
- The 2024 Grand National winner followed up impressively in 2025 by finishing second. Carries top weight but that wasn’t a problem 12 months ago.
- Third in last year’s Grand National and will head to Aintree of the back of a win in February’s Bobbyjo Chase
- No experience of the famous Aintree fences but will head there in fine form after finishing second in the Ultima at Cheltenham
- Fourth in last year’s race and will carry 11 pounds less weight than I Am Maximus this time round.
- Winners of the Cheltenham Festival’s Ultima have gone on to do well in the National, so the signs bode well for Johnnywho following March’s victory.
- Has already won both the Irish and Welsh Nationals, but can he complete the hat-trick with the English version of the famous race?
- Fourth in the 2025 Gold Cup, it’ll be interesting to see how Monty’s Star fares on his Aintree debut.
- A familiar name to many as last year’s Grand National winner, but hasn’t raced since then.
- Followed a trio of victories in Ireland with a fourth place on his UK debut at the Cheltenham Festival.
- Already the Scottish National winner, and now looking to win the English equivalent 12 months later.
- Limited experience over longer distances, but did impress when winning the 3m 2f Coral Gold Cup in November.
Best Grand National betting offers 2026
By now, you should have decided which Grand National runners you want to back, but there’s still the opportunity of earning yourself some free bets in the process of placing your bet. The sites below offer the most accessible Grand National free bets on the market, all from brands you’ll know and can trust.
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