The stage is officially set for the 2026 Grand National, and all eyes are firmly on Willie Mullins’ remarkable stayer, I Am Maximus, as he attempts to reclaim his Aintree crown.
Following his 2024 triumph and a valiant runner-up finish last year, Mullins’ leading contender must defy top weight if he is to etch his name into racing folklore once again.
It’s Panic Attack who is our new favourite though. The mare is bidding to follow in the footsteps of Nickel Coin by becoming the first mare to win the famous race in 75 years, and her challenge will be boosted by a significant weight advantage over most of her rivals.
She heads a fiercely competitive 34-runner field that also features Grangeclare West, who has also attracted significant support after finishing third in 2025 and notably securing the services of Patrick Mullins in the saddle.
With other intriguing late entrants like Johnnywho, and Imperial Saint also sneaking into the final field, we’re presented with an incredibly open puzzle to solve at 4pm today.
Grand National 2026 runners and betting odds
Find the confirmed 2026 Grand National runners below, alongside their odds and our pinstickers guide on which are the best horses to back. The full list of contenders are listed below, and you can find plenty more about the great race on our dedicated Grand National site.
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By now, you should have narrowed down which runners you want to back for the 2026 Grand National, but you still have the chance to secure some free bets while placing your bets.
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These offers come from established betting sites that our experts have reviewed, ensuring a secure betting experience as the Aintree Festival approaches.
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The 2026 Grand National: How to watch
Dates & Starting Time: The main event, the world-famous Grand National, is scheduled to set off at 4pm on Saturday 11th April 2026.
Broadcast Information: If you are tuning in from home, you can catch all the live racing action across the UK on ITV1, as well as through dedicated, in-depth coverage on Racing TV.
Location & Getting There: The historic Aintree Racecourse, situated just on the outskirts of Liverpool, serves as the home for the entire three-day meeting. If you are traveling to the track, you have a few easy options:
- By Train: The most convenient route is catching a direct train from Liverpool Central station right to Aintree. The trip takes roughly 17 minutes and drops you off right at the venue’s doorstep.
- By Car: Driving from Liverpool city centre usually takes about half an hour, but be sure to factor in extra time for heavy race-day traffic!
The 2026 Grand National: How to bet
Betting on the Grand National is incredibly straightforward, whether you are using an online sportsbook app, popping into a high street betting shop, or placing a bet right by the track at Aintree. The two most common ways to play are a simple “To Win” bet, where your chosen horse must cross the finish line first, and the immensely popular “Each-Way” bet.
As the National features a massive 34-runner field and plenty of unpredictability over the spruce fences, an each-way wager essentially splits your total stake in half: one part backs the horse to win, and the other part backs them to “place” (finish in the top few spots).
Most major bookmakers offer extended place payouts specifically for this iconic race, often paying out if your horse finishes in the top five or even six, making it the smartest approach if you are backing a longer-priced dark horse and want a solid chance of seeing a return on your investment.
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Grand National 2026 riders
As well as the runners, it’s also imperative to mention this year’s riders for the Grand National on Saturday. At the top of the Aintree narrative are the elite jockeys steering Willie Mullins’ powerful stable, most notably Paul Townend. As the undisputed number one rider for the yard, Townend is back in the saddle aboard the 2024 winner and current 2026 favourite, I Am Maximus, carrying the hopes of punters backing the horse to make history under top weight.
In a fascinating twist, Patrick Mullins, who famously steered 33/1 shot Nick Rockett to an incredible victory in the 2025 National, has switched mounts this year to ride Grangeclare West.
Beyond the Mullins camp, several world-class riders are primed to navigate the chaotic 34-runner field. Jack Kennedy is a massive booking for trainer Gordon Elliott, partnering the classy Gerri Colombe and hoping to guide the proven stayer into the history books.
Meanwhile, owner JP McManus has secured top-tier talent for his prominent runners, with Mark Walsh taking the reins on the highly fancied Jagwar and Richie McLernon reuniting with the popular late-entrant Johnnywho following their recent Cheltenham success.
Elsewhere, the tactical expertise of Harry Skelton will be heavily relied upon as he partners Panic Attack, adding even more depth to an incredibly competitive weighing room this Saturday.
