Grand National 2026: Full List of Confirmed Horses and Jockeys Revealed
Grand National 2026: Confirmed Horses and Jockeys List

Grand National 2026: Complete Roster of Horses and Jockeys Unveiled

The highly anticipated 2026 Grand National has officially confirmed its participants, with a total of 34 horses set to compete in the iconic steeplechase at Aintree. This year's lineup is spearheaded by the favourite, I Am Maximus, a 10-year-old horse trained by Willie Mullins, who previously triumphed in the 2024 edition. In a dramatic twist, I Am Maximus finished as the runner-up to stablemate Nick Rockett in last year's race, contributing to a remarkable 1-2-3 finish for Mullins, with Grangeclare West securing third place.

Key Contenders and Trainer Ambitions

Paul Townsend is slated to ride I Am Maximus once again, while Patrick Mullins, son of the legendary trainer Willie, seeks to join an elite group by winning the National in consecutive years. Willie Mullins has entered nine horses into the race, including notable names such as Spanish Harlem and Lecky Watson. A victory for Mullins would mark his fourth Grand National win, placing him alongside Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell as the most successful trainers in the event's storied history.

In a surprising development, Spillane's Tower has been declared for the National but is also scheduled to run in the Bowl race on Thursday. If this JP McManus-owned horse competes on the first day at Aintree, his spot will be taken by first reserve Pied Piper. The reserve deadline is set for 1pm on Friday, with Imperial Saint, Amirite, Ain't That A Shame, Deep Cave, and Buddy One next in line should any withdrawals occur.

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Historic Changes and Safety Measures

This year marks a significant shift in Grand National tradition, as the final declarations have been made 72 hours in advance, rather than the usual 48 hours. This change, implemented by Jockey Club organisers, aims to build greater anticipation and aligns the Aintree showpiece with other major horse racing events like the Epsom Derby, which adopted a similar approach last year.

Additionally, the 2026 race continues the trend of a reduced field size, with only 34 runners for the third consecutive year since the reduction from 40 in 2024. This adjustment is part of ongoing efforts to enhance safety in what is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous races in the sport.

Confirmed Runners and Riders List

The full list of confirmed horses and jockeys for the Grand National 2026 includes:

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  1. I Am Maximus (7-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  2. Nick Rockett (14-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  3. Banbridge (50-1) – Jockey: JJ Slevin, Trainer: Joseph O'Brien
  4. Grangeclare West (10-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  5. Gerri Colombe (33-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
  6. Haiti Couleurs (16-1) – Jockey: Sean Bowen, Trainer: Rebecca Curtis
  7. Spillane's Tower (33-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Jimmy Mangan
  8. Firefox (100-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
  9. Monty's Star (16-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
  10. Spanish Harlem (50-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  11. Lecky Watson (50-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  12. Champ Kiely (80-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  13. Iroko (14-1) – Jockey: Jonjo O'Neill Jr, Trainer: Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero
  14. Favori de Champdou (40-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
  15. Three Card Brag (66-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
  16. Oscars Brother (16-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Connor King
  17. Mr Vango (80-1) – Jockey: Jack Tudor, Trainer: Sara Bradstock
  18. High Class Hero (80-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  19. Stellar Story (25-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
  20. Beauport (125-1) – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies, Trainer: Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies
  21. Captain Cody (16-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  22. Jagwar (12-1) – Jockey: Mark Walsh, Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
  23. Perceval Legallois (40-1) – Jockey: Harry Cobden, Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
  24. Gorgeous Tom (33-1) – Jockey: Sean Flanagan, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
  25. The Real Whacker (100-1) – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan, Trainer: Patrick Neville
  26. Quai de Bourbon (33-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Willie Mullins
  27. Answer To Kayf (66-1) – Jockey: TBD, Trainer: Terence O'Brien
  28. Jordans (28-1) – Jockey: Ben Jones, Trainer: Joseph O'Brien
  29. Final Orders (25-1) – Jockey: Conor Stone-Walsh, Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
  30. Marble Sands (125-1) – Jockey: Kielan Woods, Trainer: David Killahena and Graeme McPherson
  31. Panic Attack (10-1) – Jockey: Harry Skelton, Trainer: Dan Skelton
  32. Top Of The Bill (125-1) – Jockey: Toby McCain-Mitchell, Trainer: Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies
  33. Johnnywho (14-1) – Jockey: Richie McLernon, Trainer: Jonjo and AJ O'Neill
  34. Twig (66-1) – Jockey: Beau Morgan, Trainer: Ben Pauling

As the excitement builds, these developments underscore the evolving nature of the Grand National, blending tradition with modern safety protocols to ensure a thrilling and secure event for all involved.