Grand National 2026 runners and riders: Full list of confirmed horses and jockeys

I Am Maximus has been installed as the favourite (Picture: Getty)

The 34 horses taking part in this year’s Grand National have now been officially confirmed.

The line-up is headed by the favourite I Am Maximus, who won the iconic steeplechase for trainer Willie Mullins in 2024.

The 10 year-old then finished as runner-up to stablemate Nick Rockett in last year’s race – the duo leading home a Mullins 1-2-3 with Grangeclare West rounding out the top spots.

Paul Townend will once again ride I Am Maximus, while Patrick Mullins – who has switched from Nick Rockett to Grangeclare West – is aiming to become just the tenth jockey to win the National in successive years.

The vacancy left with Nick Rockett has been filled by British jockey Tom Bellamy, who won the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.

Last year’s top three make up a third of the nine horses Mullins has entered into the 2026 race, which also includes the likes of Spanish Harlem and Lecky Watson.

Nick Rockett, ridden by Patrick Mullins, claimed the win in 2025 (Picture: Getty)

A fourth victory at the Grand National for the legendary Irishman will see him join Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell as the most successful trainers in the history of the race.

Elsewhere, there was something of a surprise with the declaration of Spillane’s Tower, who is also set to run in the Bowl race on Thursday.

Should the JP McManus-owned horse compete in the first day of Aintree, then his spot in the National will be taken by first reserve Pied Piper.

The reserve deadline is 1pm on Friday, with Imperial Saint, Amirite, Ain’t That A Shame, Deep Cave and Buddy One next in line should any of the runners listed pull out.

Grand National confirmed runners and riders

1. I Am Maximus 7-1 Jockey: Paul Townend Trainer: Willie Mullins

2. Nick Rockett 14-1 Jockey: Tom Bellamy Trainer: Willie Mullins

3. Banbridge 50-1 Jockey: JJ Slevin Trainer: Joseph O’Brien

4. Grangeclare West 10-1 Jockey: Patrick Mullins Trainer: Willie Mullins

5. Gerri Colombe 33-1 Jockey: Jack Kennedy Trainer: Gordon Elliott

6. Haiti Couleurs 16-1 Jockey: Sean Bowen Trainer: Rebecca Curtis

7. Spillane’s Tower 33-1 Jockey: Simon Torrens Trainer: Jimmy Mangan

8. Firefox 100-1 Jockey: Keith Donoghue Trainer: Gordon Elliott

9. Monty’s Star 16-1 Jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe Trainer: Henry de Bromhead

10. Spanish Harlem 50-1 Jockey: Brian Hayes Trainer: Willie Mullins

11. Lecky Watson 50-1 Jockey: Sean O’Keeffe Trainer: Willie Mullins

12. Champ Kiely 80-1 Jockey: Danny Mullins 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: Danny Gillgan Trainer: Gordon Elliott

15. Three Card Brag 66-1 Jockey: Jordan Gainford Trainer: Gordon Elliott

16. Oscars Brother 16-1 Jockey: Daniel King Trainer: Connor King

17. Mr Vango 80-1 Jockey: Jack Tudor Trainer: Sara Bradstock

18. High Class Hero 80-1 Jockey: James Bowen Trainer: Willie Mullins

19. Stellar Story 25-1 Jockey: Robbie Dunne Trainer: Gordon Elliott

20. Beauport 125-1 Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies Trainer: Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies

21. Captain Cody 16-1 Jockey: Jonathan Burke 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: Donagh Meyler Trainer: Willie Mullins

27. Answer To Kayf 66-1 Jockey: John Shinnick 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

This is the first time in Grand National history that the final declarations have been made 72 hours in advance of the big race.

Traditionally the final list was confirmed 48 hours before the start, but Jockey Club organisers have introduced the change in an attempt to build more anticipation for the National.

The move brings the Aintree showpiece in line with other major horse racing events, including the Epsom Derby, which did so last year.

This is also the third time the National has been held with 34 runners since the field was reduced from 40 in 2024.

The reduction in size is aimed at enhancing the overall safety of the event, with the race notoriously one of the most dangerous in the sport.

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