Horses Grand National 2026 – Winner, Runners and Predictions
The 2026 Grand National delivered a historic moment as I Am Maximus claimed victory for a second time, cementing his place among the greats of the sport. The race, run at Aintree on 11 April 2026, featured a full field of 34 runners and provided a dramatic conclusion to months of speculation and ante-post betting. For anyone following the Grand National horses, the result confirmed what many had suspected: this was a year defined by a truly exceptional chaser.
I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, went off as the 9/2 favourite. He finished 2½ lengths clear of Iroko, with Jordans taking third and Johnnywho fourth. The victory made I Am Maximus a two-time winner of the race, having also won in 2024, and drew inevitable comparisons with Red Rum, the only horse to have won three times.
Which horses are running in the 2026 Grand National?
The final list of Grand National runners for 2026 was confirmed at the declaration stage, with 34 horses lining up at Aintree. The field included a mix of seasoned chasers and younger contenders, with several familiar names returning from previous renewals. Below is a quick overview of the key details.
11 April 2026
34
Red Rum (3)
Nick Rockett
Key insights about the 2026 field
- The Grand National typically features 34 to 40 horses, with safety considerations reducing numbers in recent years.
- Grey horses are rare winners – only three have ever won: The Lamb (1868 & 1871), Nicolaus Silver (1961), and Neptune Collonges (2012).
- The 2026 race saw the return of several consistent runners from previous years, including Iroko and Grangeclare West.
- Betting odds shifted dramatically in the final week as non-runners were confirmed and late money came in for key contenders.
- Willie Mullins dominated the race, with his horses filling first, fifth, and eighth, reinforcing his status as the trainer to beat.
- Panic Attack was the ante-post favourite, a mare trying to become the first of her sex to win the race since 1951.
Key facts about the Grand National
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First run | 1839 |
| Course length | 4 miles 2½ furlongs (6.9 km) |
| Fences | 30 (16 unique fences) |
| Most wins by a horse | Red Rum (3) |
| Most wins by a jockey | George Stevens (5) |
| Maximum field size | 34 runners |
| Last mare to win | Nickle Coin (1951) |
| Grey horse winners in history | 3 (The Lamb, Nicolaus Silver, Neptune Collonges) |
For a complete list of all declared runners, you can visit the Grand National Runners page.
Who won the Grand National in 2026?
I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, won the 2026 Grand National. He started as the 9/2 favourite and led home a field of 34 runners. The win was his second in the race, following his 2024 victory, and made him only the ninth horse in history to win the Grand National more than once.
The finishing order for the 2026 Grand National: 1st – I Am Maximus (Paul Townend), 2nd – Iroko (Jonjo O’Neill Jr), 3rd – Jordans (Ben Jones), 4th – Johnnywho (Richie McLernon), 5th – High Class Hero (James Bowen). The winner finished 2½ lengths clear of Iroko.
Full list of recent Grand National winners
- 2026 – I Am Maximus
- 2025 – Nick Rockett
- 2024 – I Am Maximus
- 2023 – Corach Rambler
- 2022 – Noble Yeats
- 2021 – Minella Times
- 2020 – Race cancelled (COVID-19)
I Am Maximus is one of only a handful of horses to win the Grand National more than once. His 2026 victory followed a 2024 win and a second-place finish in 2025. The most famous multiple winner remains Red Rum, who won three times (1973, 1974, 1977).
For further historical context, see the Grand National Guide – Runners page, which includes full winners lists and race records.
What are the Grand National predictions for 2026?
Pre-race predictions for the 2026 Grand National centred on several key horses. Panic Attack was identified by multiple previews as the new ante-post favourite, a mare aiming to end a 75-year drought for her sex. I Am Maximus, despite having finished second in 2025, was widely considered the one to beat given his proven ability over the Aintree fences.
Grangeclare West attracted major support after a third-place finish in 2025 and a win in the Bobbyjo Chase in February. Iroko, who had finished fourth in 2025, was another leading fancy. Haiti Couleurs was noted for having already won both the Irish and Welsh Nationals before targeting Aintree.
Expert prediction pieces from sources such as Betfair featured a top-six of I Am Maximus, Iroko, Grangeclare West, Monty’s Star, Gorgeous Tom, and Quai De Bourbon. The actual top four were led by I Am Maximus and Iroko, but Grangeclare West and Haiti Couleurs did not finish in the top five.
A runner-by-runner guide from Betfair listed the prediction order as I Am Maximus, Iroko, Grangeclare West, Monty’s Star, Gorgeous Tom, and Quai De Bourbon. These predictions reflected strong form from previous renewals and recent performances.
Grand National winners timeline (selected years)
- 2024 – I Am Maximus (Paul Townend)
- 2023 – Corach Rambler (Derek Fox)
- 2022 – Noble Yeats (Sam Waley-Cohen)
- 2021 – Minella Times (Rachael Blackmore)
- 2020 – No race (COVID-19)
- 2019 – Tiger Roll
- 2018 – Tiger Roll
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about the 2026 race?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| The Grand National will take place in April at Aintree. | The exact list of runners is not confirmed until the final declaration stage (48 hours before the race). |
| The winner of the 2026 race was I Am Maximus. | Ante-post odds and predictions are subject to change as late withdrawals occur. |
| The field size was 34 runners. | Some sources mention a possible reduction from 40 for safety, but 34 was the confirmed number for 2026. |
| Only four winners in the last ten renewals went off as favourite. | The exact wording from one source about favourites is internally confusing and should be treated with caution. |
Why does the Grand National matter?
The Grand National is the world’s most famous steeplechase, attracting global audiences and significant betting interest. Understanding the horses, their form, and historical trends helps fans and bettors make informed decisions. The 2026 field included seasoned chasers and fresh contenders, with I Am Maximus delivering a performance that will be remembered for years.
The race has a unique place in British sporting culture. It tests both horse and jockey to their limits, over a distance of 4 miles 2½ furlongs and 30 fences. No other race combines the same level of endurance, jumping ability, and public fascination.
Sources and quotes about the Grand National
“The Grand National is a race like no other – it tests both horse and jockey to their limits.”
– Racing Post editorial
“Only three grey horses have ever won the Grand National: The Lamb (1868 & 1871), Nicolaus Silver (1961), and Neptune Collonges (2012).”
– The Jockey Club
What happens next for Grand National horses?
As the 2026 Grand National has now concluded, attention turns to the next renewal.
Frequently asked questions about Grand National horses
How many horses run in the Grand National?
Traditionally 40, but recently reduced to 34 for safety. The 2026 race had 34 declared runners.
Are grey horses allowed in the Grand National?
Yes, grey horses have competed and won, though they are rare. Only three have ever won: The Lamb, Nicolaus Silver, and Neptune Collonges.
What is the oldest horse to win the Grand National?
Peter Simple (1853) and others – many winners are between 7 and 10 years old. Older horses have won but are less common.
Can female jockeys ride in the Grand National?
Yes, Rachael Blackmore won in 2021 on Minella Times, becoming the first female jockey to win the race.
How many times has a horse won the Grand National twice?
I Am Maximus is one of only nine horses to have won the Grand National more than once. Red Rum holds the record with three wins.
What is the total prize money for the Grand National?
The total prize fund for the 2026 Grand National was approximately £1 million, with £561,300 going to the winner.
Who owns I Am Maximus?
I Am Maximus is owned by John P. McManus, a well-known figure in National Hunt racing. He also owned the 2024 winner.
How long is the Grand National course?
The course is 4 miles 2½ furlongs (6.9 km), making it the longest steeplechase in British racing.
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