The 2026 Grand National produced a result that will be remembered for years. On 11 April 2026, a field of 34 horses lined up at Aintree for the world’s most famous steeplechase. By the time they reached the Elbow, one horse had pulled clear to write his name into racing history.
I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, stormed home as the 9/2 favourite to win the Grand National for a second time. In doing so, the horse became the first since Red Rum to regain the National, carrying top weight in a performance the Racing Post described as a “huge weight-carrying performance”.
The race itself was a tight betting affair, with Haiti Couleurs, I Am Maximus, and Panic Attack all trading at the head of the market at different points. Late money decisively backed the favourite, and the result proved costly for bookmakers. One firm reportedly faced a payout “north of £10 million”.
Which Horses Ran in the 2026 Grand National?
34 runners
Full field list below
I Am Maximus (9/2)
Winner, confirmed
I Am Maximus
Second National victory
1–34 assigned by weight
How numbering works
- Only 34 horses ran in 2026, below the maximum field of 40.
- The final declaration stage (10 days before the race) confirmed the field.
- Favourites have a mixed record – only 8 have won since 2000, but I Am Maximus won as the 9/2 favourite.
- Printable runner lists are highly requested due to betting and sweepstake pools.
- Horse numbers are not performance indicators; they reflect assigned weight (top weight = #1).
- The ante-post market was tight, with three different horses becoming favourite before I Am Maximus solidified.
- Willie Mullins trained the winner and had horses near the front, underlining his strong Aintree form in 2026.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Race distance | 4 miles 2½ furlongs (30 fences) |
| First run | 1839 |
| Most wins (horse) | Red Rum (3 wins) |
| Most wins (jockey) | George Stevens (5) |
| Maximum runners | 40 |
| 2026 winner | I Am Maximus |
| 2026 winning jockey | Paul Townend |
| Track | Aintree, Liverpool |
| Handicap type | Grade 3 National Hunt handicap |
| 2026 field size | 34 declared runners |
The declared runners for the 2026 renewal included I Am Maximus, Nick Rockett, Banbridge, Captain Cody, Gerri Colombe, Grangeclare West, Haiti Couleurs, Jagwar, and others, according to Sporting Life and other race guides. Pre-race preview content also highlighted Grangeclare West, Jagwar, Lecky Watson, Monty’s Star, and I Am Maximus as leading candidates in prediction lists.
What Were the Odds and Predictions for the 2026 Grand National?
The betting market for the 2026 Grand National was described as tight, with the ante-post market seeing Haiti Couleurs, I Am Maximus, and Panic Attack all at different points becoming favourite. Late money firmly backed I Am Maximus, who started at 9/2 favourite. The result was described as a “bloodbath for bookmakers”, with one report noting a single firm faced a payout “north of £10 million”.
The ante-post market was close for much of the build-up, with Haiti Couleurs, I Am Maximus, and Panic Attack all trading at the head of the market at different points before late money firmly backed the eventual winner.
What were the predictions for the 2026 Grand National?
Pre-race predictions from preview sources, including YouTube tipsters and fan sites, highlighted Grangeclare West, Jagwar, Lecky Watson, Monty’s Star, and I Am Maximus as leading candidates. The final outcome saw I Am Maximus assert after the last fence, winning decisively.
Where can I get a printable list of Grand National runners with odds?
After final declarations, a PDF version of the official race card is typically available from the Jockey Club website. For early reference, the runner table on this page provides the key information. The Grand National runners page also lists horses with odds updated regularly.
Who Are the All‑Time Grand National Winners?
The Grand National has been run since 1839, and its history is filled with legendary horses. Red Rum remains the most successful horse in Grand National history, with three wins in 1973, 1974, and 1977. I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum to regain the Grand National, winning his second National in 2026.
George Stevens holds the record for most wins by a jockey with five victories. The list of Grand National winners on Wikipedia provides a full historical table of every winner since the race began.
What is the history of the Grand National?
The Grand National is a handicap steeplechase over 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, run at Aintree since 1839. It is considered the most famous National Hunt race in the world, combining a gruelling distance, large field, and unique handicap system.
Which horse has won the Grand National most times?
Red Rum holds the record with three wins. I Am Maximus now joins an elite group of multiple winners, having won the race for a second time in 2026.
How Are Grand National Horse Numbers Assigned?
Horse numbers in the Grand National are assigned based on weight – number 1 is the top weight, meaning the highest-rated horse according to the official handicap. Numbers are not performance rankings. The weight is allocated according to a horse’s official handicap mark, as set by the British Horseracing Authority.
Horse numbers are not performance indicators. Number 1 simply means the horse carries the most weight. A horse wearing number 40 is not necessarily the slowest – it carries the least weight.
What do the horse numbers in the Grand National mean?
The numbers reflect the assigned weight. The top weight carries number 1, and numbers increase as weight decreases. This system allows horses of different abilities to compete fairly.
How many horses run in the Grand National?
The maximum field is 40 horses. In 2026, the field consisted of 34 declared runners. The field is determined by handicap rating, with the highest-rated horses getting priority.
What Were the Results of the Most Recent Grand National?
The 2026 Grand National was won by I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend. The race took place at Aintree on 11 April 2026.
| Position | Horse | Jockey | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | I Am Maximus | Paul Townend | 9/2 fav |
| 2nd | Iroko | Jonjo O’Neill Jr | 18/1 |
| 3rd | Jordans | Ben Jones | 28/1 |
| 4th | Johnnywho | Richie McLernon | 12/1 |
| 5th | High Class Hero | James Bowen | 66/1 |
The full results and official return were published in late April 2026. The race was notable for its tight betting market and the decisive performance of the favourite after the last fence.
Grand National 2026 Timeline – Key Dates
- January 2026 – Weights announced by the British Horseracing Authority
- February 2026 – First declarations (general entries close)
- Early April 2026 – Final declarations (10 days before race)
- Saturday 11 April 2026 – Race day
- Late April – Full results and official return
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About the 2026 Grand National?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| The race took place at Aintree on 11 April 2026. | The exact list of future runners is unknown until final declarations for the next renewal. |
| The maximum field is 40 horses (34 ran in 2026). | Odds fluctuate daily; early predictions for future races are speculative. |
| Weights are based on a handicap formula using official ratings. | Weather conditions on race day can affect the going and results. |
| Red Rum holds the record with three wins. I Am Maximus won his second in 2026. | Some horses may be withdrawn due to injury or trainer preference before future races. |
What Is the Context Behind the 2026 Grand National?
The Grand National is the most famous National Hunt race in the world, combining a gruelling distance, large field, and unique handicap system. Searches for ‘Grand National horses’ typically peak in the weeks before the race as bettors and fans seek runner lists and odds. While many sites provide lists, they often lack official verification and historical context.
The 2026 renewal was significant because I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum to regain the Grand National. The race also highlighted the strength of Willie Mullins’ yard, with his horses filling other places near the front. The tight betting market and the eventual victory of the favourite made it a memorable edition.
What Do the Official Sources Say About the Grand National?
“The Grand National is a handicap steeplechase over 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, run at Aintree since 1839.”
The Jockey Club – Official Grand National Event Page
“Red Rum (1973, 1974, 1977) is the most successful horse in Grand National history.”
Wikipedia – List of Grand National winners
“Weights for the Grand National are allocated according to a horse’s official handicap mark.”
British Horseracing Authority – Race Conditions
What Does the 2026 Grand National Result Mean for the Future?
The 2026 Grand National confirmed I Am Maximus as one of the great modern National horses. As the next race approaches, monitor entries on the official BHA website and Jockey Club page. This page will be updated with confirmed runners and final odds after the March declarations. For other sporting results, check Today’s Football Results: Live Scores, Watch Times & Records or the England v Australia Rugby League – 2025 Ashes Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many horses run in the Grand National?
A maximum of 40 horses can run. The field is determined by handicap rating, with the highest-rated horses getting priority.
What do the horse numbers mean in the Grand National?
Horse numbers are assigned based on weight – number 1 is the top weight (highest-rated horse). Numbers are not performance rankings.
When is the next Grand National?
The race is traditionally held on the first Saturday of April. The 2027 date is yet to be officially confirmed.
Where can I download a printable list of Grand National runners?
After final declarations (around late March), a PDF version of the official race card will be available from the Jockey Club website.
Who is the current favourite for the next Grand National?
Odds change frequently. The favourite will be listed in the odds table above, updated regularly based on betting market movements.
Who won the 2026 Grand National?
I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, won the 2026 Grand National as the 9/2 favourite.
What is the Grand National race distance?
The race is 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, with 30 fences to be jumped.
How are Grand National runners selected?
Runners are selected based on their official handicap rating. The highest-rated horses get priority, up to a maximum field of 40.
Has any horse won the Grand National three times?
Yes, Red Rum won the Grand National three times (1973, 1974, 1977). I Am Maximus has won twice (2024, 2026).
What makes the Grand National different from other races?
It is a handicap steeplechase run over a unique distance of 4 miles 2½ furlongs with 30 fences, allowing horses of different abilities to compete fairly.
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Freya Bishop covers culture, lifestyle, society and human-interest reporting for UKBullet.uk.