Grand National 2026: a New Trophy and the Horses to Watch This April

Saturday 11th April is circled on every racing fan’s calendar, and with the 2026 Grand National entries confirmed and the weights revealed, the build-up to Aintree is officially underway. Here’s everything you need to know, plus the names to watch between now and race day, so you know whom to cheer on in April.

Grand National 2026 Entries

A total of 78 horses have been entered for this year’s £1 million Randox Grand National – down from 90 last year and over 100 earlier in the decade. Fewer entries don’t mean a weaker race. It reflects a more selective approach from trainers, with the quality of those entered as high as ever. The maximum field on the day is capped at 34 runners, so the next few weeks of scratchings and confirmations will shape what promises to be a fiercely competitive renewal of the world’s greatest steeplechase.

Ireland continues to dominate, supplying 49 of the 78 entries. Irish-trained horses won 7 out of the 9 races in the past decade, and this year’s numbers suggest there is every chance those stats will stay the same – though with Iroko leading the market as a British-trained favourite, home racing fans will be hoping this is the year of change.

Public Favourites and Highest Bets

1. Iroko – the current number one favourite at around 7/1, trained in Cheshire by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero and owned by JP McManus. He finished fourth last year and has been specifically campaigning for a 2026 victory ever since. Interestingly, his trainer’s father, Lord Daresbury, was Aintree’s chairman for 25 years. It doesn’t get more full circle than that.

2. I Am Maximus – The 2024 winner and top weight for 2026. He finished second last year off the same weight, which tells you everything about his class. Willie Mullins’ stable star is back and at 12/1 he represents serious value for a horse who clearly loves Aintree.

3. Nick Rockett – Last year’s winner, ridden by trainer Willie Mullins’ son Patrick in one of the most emotional results in recent National history. He’s 33/1 and expected to become the first back-to-back winner since Red Rum. If Mullins pulls it off, he’d be a record-equalling four-time Grand National-winning trainer.

4. Haiti Couleurs – The most talked-about dark horse in the field. Winner of both the Irish and Welsh Grand Nationals, trained by Rebecca Curtis in Wales and ridden by champion jockey Sean Bowen. He’s also a Gold Cup entry at Cheltenham and a genuine chance of being the story of the year.

5. Panic Attack – A name that’s caught the eye of racing fans and first-time racegoers alike, Dan Skelton’s recent Coral Gold Cup winner is prominent in the early betting market and represents one of Britain’s best chances alongside Iroko.

A New Grand National Trophy

This year’s Grand National comes with an extra story off the track. To mark 10 years of Randox’s title sponsorship, a special anniversary trophy has been commissioned in collaboration with luxury jeweller Boodles. The design is inspired by the DNA double helix – a nod to Randox’s work in healthcare and diagnostics, with ten diamonds set around the main trophy marking the decade milestone.

One Rule Change That You Need To Know About

For the first time, final declarations will be made 72 hours before the race, on Wednesday, rather than on Thursday as in previous years. That means by Wednesday, 8th April, you’ll know your full field of 34 runners.

Be there at Grand National 2026

April 11th at Aintree is one of those days that reminds you why sport matters. The roar as the field jumps the first, the tension at Becher’s Brook, the moment a winner emerges from the pack on the run-in – there’s nothing like it in sport. If you want to experience it in style, get in touch, and we’ll help you find the perfect hospitality package for your day at the races.