Grand National start time, all 34 runners, odds, tips and how to watch for free
The biggest single day in the horse racing calendar is here. The Grand National takes place on Saturday afternoon, with millions of casual racing followers casting their one bet of the year.
The maximum field of 34 horses has been confirmed for the world’s biggest steeplechase. It will not feature defending champion Nick Rockett, who was withdrawn amid health concerns.
Last year’s winning jockey, Patrick Mullins, son and colleague of legendary trainer Willie, is in the race though after switching to one of the favourites, Grangeclare West, earlier in the week.
It is I Am Maximus who looks set to enter the race as the outright favourite. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 Grand National…
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook page
What time does the Grand National start?
The big race at Aintree is due to get under way at 4pm UK time.
READ MORE: Grand National winning jockey Patrick Mullins was denied prize money after famous winREAD MORE: ULTIMATE Grand National pinstickers’ guide: Newsboy rates every horse and predicts top six
Which horses are running in the Grand National?
1. I AM MAXIMUS 7-1
3. BANBRIDGE 33-1
4. GRANGECLARE WEST 9-1
5. GERRI COLOMBE 22-1
6. HAITI COULEURS 16-1
8. FIREFOX 50-1
9. MONTY’S STAR 11-1
10. SPANISH HARLEM 33-1
11. LECKY WATSON 28-1
12. CHAMP KIELY 28-1
13. IROKO 12-1
14. FAVORI DE CHAMPDOU 33-1
15. THREE CARD BRAG 50-1
16. OSCAR’S BROTHER 16-1
17. MR VANGO 66-1
18. HIGH CLASS HERO 50-1
19. STELLAR STORY 25-1
20. BEAUPORT 80-1
21. CAPTAIN CODY 16-1
22. JAGWAR 9-1
23. PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS 28-1
24. GORGEOUS TOM 20-1
25. THE REAL WHACKER 66-1
26. QUAI DE BOURBON 22-1
27. ANSWER TO KAYF 50-1
28. JORDANS 33-1
29. FINAL ORDERS 22-1
30. MARBLE SANDS 50-1
31. PANIC ATTACK 15-2
32. TOP OF THE BILL 50-1
33. JOHNNYWHO 12-1
34. TWIG 33-1
36. IMPERIAL SAINT 40-1
37. AMIRITE 80-1
Who are the favourites for the Grand National?
Market leader I Am Maximus won two years ago and came second last year. He would be emulating Red Rum, though if he were to win a second National, having lost in the interim.
Panic Attack has been a revelation this season, pulling off the Paddy Power/Coral Gold Cup double. If she stays the trip, she could be a big player. Grangeclare West was third 12 months ago and would have gone close to winning without a bad mistake at the last.
Grand National tips
Oscar’s Brother is an eight-year-old novice with just six runs over fences to his name so far. He’s had a brilliant season with three wins followed by an excellent fourth in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham last time out.
Had Haiti Couleurs not run at Cheltenham he would have been a very strong fancy but he has already bounced back from one poor run this year to win the Welsh National. Others who can make the frame include Stellar Story and Quai De Bourbon.
1. Oscars Brother 2. Haiti Couleurs 3. Stellar Story 4. Quai De Bourbon
How to watch the Grand National for free
Free-to-air coverage of the race will be provided by ITV1, with coverage commencing at 12.55pm. You can also stream the action via ITVX, while live radio commentary will be on BBC Radio Five Live.
Odds courtesy of bet365 and correct at the time of writing.
