Confirmed Runners for the 2026 Grand National
The build-up to the 2026 Randox Grand National reaches its peak as the 34 runners are confirmed for the iconic race.
Among them are established campaigners, rising staying chasers, and proven Grade 1 performers, all aiming to navigate the demanding four-mile four-furlong course and 30 challenging fences
Key Contenders to Watch
I Am Maximus heads into this as the favourite. Paul Towned will be the jockey and with the horse’s stamina and staying ability over long distances make them a strong candidate. He has performed consistently over fences and should handle Aintree’s demanding track well.
Haiti Couleurs, ridden by Sean Bowen, brings a proven mix of speed and experience to the National. Bowen’s expertise over fences gives the horse an advantage in negotiating Aintree’s notorious obstacles.
Johnnywho, under Richie McLernon, is another runner capable of producing a bold performance. His prior experience over long distances and competitive finishing kick could see him place prominently if the pace and conditions suit.
Beauport, partnered with Sam Twiston-Davies, is a horse with both class and resilience. Twiston-Davies is an experienced Grand National rider, and his tactical judgment could prove crucial in navigating the early sections of the course.
Iroko, ridden by Jonjo O’Neill Jr, is a strong contender from a top National Hunt yard. The combination of a young, ambitious jockey and a seasoned staying chaser makes Iroko one to keep an eye on and the main hope for Britain’s chances in the race.
Mr Vango, partnered with Jack Tudor, and Perceval Legallois, with Harry Cobden in the saddle, both bring proven form and staying credentials. Expect them to feature prominently in the middle to late stages of the race, where stamina often determines the final outcome.
Other runners of note include Gorgeous Tom (Sean Flanagan), Marble Sands (Kielan Woods), Top Of The Bill (Toby McCain-Mitchell), Jordans (Ben Jones), and Final Orders (Conor Stone-Walsh). Each has the capacity to handle the distance and fences effectively, and any of them could produce a surprise with the right combination of pace and positioning.
Other Runners
The field also includes last year’s winner Nick Rockett, the much fancied Grangeclare West, Gerri Colombe, Spillane’s Tower, Firefox, Monty’s Star, Spanish Harlem, Lecky Watson, Champ Kiely, Favori De Champdou, Three Card Brag, Oscars Brother, High Class Hero, Stellar Story, Captain Cody, Jagwar, Quai De Bourbon, Answer To Kayf, Panic Attack (Harry Skelton), Twig Beau (Morgan), and Beauport (Sam Twiston-Davies). While not every runner is among the favourites, Aintree’s fences and long distance have a habit of producing late twists, meaning each horse has a role to play in shaping the race outcome.
Reserves
Six reserves have been named and will take a place in the field should there be any late withdrawals. They are: Pied Piper, Imperial Saint, Amirite, Ain’t That A Shame, Soul Icon, and Hyland. Given the high stakes and attritional nature of the Grand National, it is not uncommon for reserves to be called upon, meaning connections of these horses remain on high alert ahead of Saturday.
The full list of runners is as follows:
- I Am Maximus
- Nick Rockett
- Banbridge
- Grangeclare West
- Gerri Colombe
- Haiti Couleurs
- Spillane’s Tower
- Firefox
- Monty’s Star
- Spanish Harlem
- Lecky Watson
- Champ Kiely
- Iroko
- Favori De Champdou
- Three Card Brag
- Oscars Brother
- Mr Vango
- High Class Hero
- Stellar Story
- Beauport
- Captain Cody
- Jagwar
- Perceval Legallois
- Gorgeous Tom
- The Real Whacker
- Quai De Bourbon
- Answer To Kayf
- Jordans
- Final Orders
- Marble Sands
- Panic Attack
- Top Of The Bill
- Johnnywho
- Twig
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