The 34 runners and riders for the 2026 Grand National are now just days from being confirmed, with the big race at Aintree only a week away.
I Am Maximus is the favourite 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. Grangeclare West, who came home in third place last year, has also seen significant support ahead of the race.
A total of 55 horses will be whittled down to a maximum of 34, with ante-post backers of Johnnywho still hoping for two more withdrawals to allow him to sneak on to the final Grand National runners and riders list. The 34 confirmed Grand National runners will be announced on Wednesday afternoon this year, alongside six reserves in case of any horses pulling out late on.
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?
- Followed a trio of victories in Ireland with a fourth place on his UK debut at the Cheltenham Festival.
- Limited experience over longer distances, but did impress when winning the 3m 2f Coral Gold Cup in November.
- 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.
- Already the Scottish National winner, and now looking to win the English equivalent 12 months later.
Best 2026 Grand National betting offers and free bets
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 wagers.
The featured sites offer some of the most accessible Grand National free bets currently on the market, ranging from BetMGM’s “Bet £10 Get £50” to Sky Bet’s “Bet 5p Get £30” promotion.
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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- Profit boosts and free football predictors are part of a host of attractive offers
