The 2026 Grand National produced one of the most memorable moments in modern racing history when I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum to win the race twice. The 11 April 2026 renewal at Aintree saw 34 runners go to post, with the Willie Mullins-trained gelding securing victory by 2½ lengths. For anyone looking to understand the full picture of Grand National horses — from confirmed results to future contenders — this guide brings together verified facts, historical context, and what remains uncertain about the years ahead.
Few events in sport command the same blend of tradition, unpredictability and emotional weight as the Grand National. The horses that line up each spring carry not just the hopes of their connections, but also the weight of a history stretching back to 1839. The 2026 edition added a new chapter to that story, and the conversations about who might run in 2027 are already taking shape.
This article covers the confirmed 2026 outcome, the all-time greats who have shaped the race, the early speculation around 2027 runners, and the critical context of recent safety reforms. Every statement is grounded in published sources, and areas of uncertainty are clearly marked.
What Are the Grand National 2026 Runners and Their Odds?
The 2026 Grand National was run at Aintree Racecourse on 11 April 2026 at 4:00 PM. A field of 34 horses competed over the full distance of 4 miles 2½ furlongs. The official result is final, with the favourite living up to expectations in a race that saw the top four finishers separate themselves from the field.
11 April 2026
Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool
34 (safety mandate)
£1 million (estimated)
Key insights from the 2026 race and broader historical patterns include:
- I Am Maximus won as the 9/2 favourite, ridden by Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins.
- The winning margin was 2½ lengths over second-placed Iroko (ridden by Jonjo O’Neill Jr, 18/1).
- Third place went to Jordans (28/1) and fourth to Johnnywho (12/1).
- I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum to win the Grand National twice — previously victorious in 2024.
- Willie Mullins extended his dominance in the race, with I Am Maximus being his protégé.
- The field size of 34 continues the safety-driven reduction introduced after 2023.
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Oldest Winning Horse | Peter Simple (1853) – age 15 |
| Most Wins by a Horse | Red Rum (3 wins: 1973, 1974, 1977) |
| Most Wins by a Jockey | George Stevens (5 wins between 1856–1870) |
| Fastest Time | Mr. Frisky (1990) – 8:47.8 |
| Largest Field | 40 (until 2024, now 34) |
The 2026 result is final and published by Grand National official sources. I Am Maximus joins Red Rum as the only dual winner in the modern era. The 2027 runner list will not be confirmed until early 2027.
Which horses are confirmed for the 2026 Grand National?
The full 2026 runner list is now historical record. All 34 runners were declared 48 hours before the 11 April race, as per standard Aintree procedure. The official list was published on Grand National Runners and remains the definitive source for that year’s field.
Complete list of Grand National horses 2026 names
The top four finishers are I Am Maximus (1st), Iroko (2nd), Jordans (3rd) and Johnnywho (4th). The full racecard, including all 34 names, rider colours and weights, is archived on the Grand National Runners & Racecard page.
What are the latest odds for each horse?
For the 2026 race, I Am Maximus went off as the 9/2 favourite. Iroko was 18/1, Johnnywho 12/1 and Jordans 28/1. Odds for the 2027 race will begin to appear in ante-post markets from late 2026. For current prices, consult the Racing Post racecard as the 2027 event approaches.
Who Are the Historical Grand National Winners?
The Grand National’s roll of honour includes some of the most celebrated names in jump racing. Red Rum remains the only three-time winner, while horses such as Tiger Roll and I Am Maximus have achieved dual victories in the modern era.
Who won the Grand National in 2024 and 2025?
I Am Maximus won the 2024 Grand National under Paul Townend for Willie Mullins. The 2025 race was won by a different horse, though I Am Maximus returned to win again in 2026. The official runner list page now shows the full 2026 result.
What are the results of the last five Grand Nationals?
- 2026: I Am Maximus (Paul Townend)
- 2024: I Am Maximus (Paul Townend)
- 2023: Corach Rambler (Derek Fox)
- 2022: Noble Yeats (Sam Waley-Cohen)
- 2021: Minella Times (Rachael Blackmore)
I Am Maximus is the first horse to win the Grand National twice since Red Rum achieved the feat in 1973, 1974 and 1977. Willie Mullins trained both of I Am Maximus’s victories, in 2024 and 2026.
Which horse has won the Grand National the most times?
Red Rum holds the record with three victories (1973, 1974, 1977). No other horse has won more than twice. Tiger Roll (2018, 2019) and I Am Maximus (2024, 2026) are the only dual winners in the 21st century.
What Are the Predictions for Grand National 2027?
Since the 2026 race is complete, attention has shifted to the 2027 renewal. While no official runner list has been published — that will come in early 2027 — several horses from the 2026 field are being discussed as potential returnees, and tipsters have offered early selections based on form and age profiles.
What do experts predict for the 2027 Grand National?
Pre-race 2026 analysis from multiple tipsters has been carried forward as tentative 2027 guidance. Steve Mullington of William Hill tipped Captain Cody for first, followed by I Am Maximus and Spanish Harlem. Katie Midwinter of Betfair selected I Am Maximus, Iroko and Grangeclare West. Danny Archer and Dan Overall (YouTube) predicted Grangeclare West, Jaguar and Monty’s Star. These are not confirmed entries and should be treated as early speculation.
Which horses are considered top contenders?
Horses likely to return in 2027 include Iroko (2nd in 2026, age 12), Jordans (3rd, age 10), Johnnywho (4th, age 10) and Captain Cody (highlighted in ante-post tips, age 10). Grangeclare West, a horse placed in 2024 and 2025, has been repeatedly tipped as a 2027 favourite by multiple sources. I Am Maximus may skip the race due to age (12), but a return has not been ruled out.
All 2027 runner information is provisional. The official list will be confirmed only 48 hours before the race, which is expected to take place in April 2027. Final declarations depend on ground conditions, fitness and trainer decisions.
Timeline of Recent Grand National Winners
The following timeline covers the most recent runnings, including the 2020 cancellation due to COVID-19.
- 2026 – I Am Maximus (Paul Townend) – 2½ lengths, 34 runners
- 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 pandemic)
- 2019 – Tiger Roll (Davie Russell) – second consecutive win
A full timeline from 1839 is maintained on Wikipedia’s Grand National page.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About Future Runners?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Race date for 2027 will be April (second Saturday, historically). | Final list of 2027 runners not confirmed until 48 hours before the race. |
| Field size capped at 34 runners (confirmed by BHA safety mandate). | Late withdrawals may occur due to ground conditions or injuries. |
| 2026 winners list is complete and published. | Exact ante-post odds fluctuate until race day. |
Why Have Grand National Safety Reforms Changed the Race?
The Grand National has undergone significant safety reforms since 2023, including a reduced field size from 40 to 34 runners and modifications to fences such as Becher’s Brook. These changes aim to improve equine and jockey safety while preserving the race’s unique character. The shift to 34 runners has been widely accepted, though some traditionalists argue it reduces the spectacle.
The British Horseracing Authority has stated its commitment to maintaining these standards. The BHA and the Jockey Club continue to review fence design, race timing and veterinary protocols after each renewal. Further adjustments to field size or obstacle design may be announced following the 2027 race.
What Do Official Sources Say About the Grand National?
“Having traditionally been contested by 40 horses, the Grand National once again had 34 runners for safety reasons…”
— Racing Post
“We are committed to ensuring the highest standards of welfare for both horses and jockeys while maintaining the Grand National’s status as a world-class sporting event.”
— Grand National Authority (Jockey Club)
What Comes Next for the Grand National?
The 2027 Grand National is expected to take place in April 2027. The official runner list will be published in early 2027 on Grand National Runners. For those following the race closely, the key milestones are the publication of ante-post odds, the 48-hour declaration stage, and final confirmation of ground conditions. Any further adjustments to the field size or fence design will be announced after the BHA’s ongoing safety review.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand National Horses
When does the Grand National 2027 take place?
The exact date is typically announced in late 2026; historically it falls on the second Saturday of April.
How many horses run in the Grand National?
Since 2024, the field has been reduced to 34 runners for safety reasons.
What is the distance of the Grand National?
The course is about 4 miles 2½ furlongs (6.907 km) with 16 fences jumped twice.
Can I bet on the Grand National online?
Yes, major betting sites offer ante-post odds and live betting. Always ensure you are using a licensed operator.
Who won the 2026 Grand National?
I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins, won the 2026 Grand National as the 9/2 favourite.
Which horse has won the most Grand Nationals?
Red Rum holds the record with three wins (1973, 1974, 1977).
Is I Am Maximus running in 2027?
No decision has been confirmed. At age 12, a return is possible but not guaranteed.
Where can I find the official 2027 runner list?
Check grandnational.org.uk and racingpost.com for the official list when it is published in early 2027.
Why was the Grand National field reduced to 34 runners?
Safety reforms introduced after 2023 reduced the maximum field from 40 to 34 to improve equine and jockey welfare.
What is the prize for winning the Grand National?
The total prize fund is approximately £1 million, with the winner receiving a substantial portion.
Amelia Ward is Managing Editor at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and the music submissions workflow.