Grand National 2026: Date, Time, TV & Complete Betting Guide
The 2026 Randox Grand National runs on Saturday 11th April at 4pm, live and free on ITV1. All 34 runners are confirmed — I Am Maximus is the 15/2 favourite attempting something only Red Rum has achieved. Here is everything you need.
Grand National 2026 — Key Storylines
Patrick Mullins — who rode Nick Rockett to victory at 33/1 last year — has chosen to ride Grangeclare West in 2026. Tom Bellamy, who has never completed the Grand National in five attempts, takes over on the defending champion. This is the single biggest pre-race story and a clear signal of where stable confidence lies.
The 2026 Grand National is one of the most intriguing renewals in years. Willie Mullins has nine declared runners — 26% of the entire field — bidding for a third consecutive National. I Am Maximus tops the weights and the market, attempting something only Red Rum has achieved: winning, losing the title, then reclaiming it.
Johnnywho, the Cheltenham Ultima winner, only squeaked into the field after late withdrawals and is available at 16/1. Iroko, long the ante-post favourite, drifted to 12/1 after disappointing in that same Ultima. Going is Good to Soft — conditions that suit the better stayers.
Current Market
| # | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I Am Maximus FAV | W. Mullins | Paul Townend | 15/2 |
| 2 | Grangeclare West | W. Mullins | Patrick Mullins | 10/1 |
| 3 | Jagwar | Greenall/Guerriero | Mark Walsh | 10/1 |
| 4 | Iroko | Greenall/Guerriero | Jonjo O’Neill Jr. | 12/1 |
| 5 | Haiti Couleurs | R. Curtis | Sean Bowen | 12/1 |
| 6 | Nick Rockett | W. Mullins | Tom Bellamy | 16/1 |
| 7 | Johnnywho ULTIMA | Greenall/Guerriero | Richie McLernon | 16/1 |
| 8 | Panic Attack | D. Skelton | Harry Skelton | 18/1 |
| 9 | Monty’s Star | H. de Bromhead | TBC | 20/1 |
| 10 | Gerri Colombe | — | Jack Kennedy | 20/1 |
Odds: bet365. Subject to change. 18+ only. Full runners list →
No horse since Red Rum has won the Grand National, been beaten, then reclaimed it. I Am Maximus won in 2024, was second in 2025 off top weight, and returns in 2026. Red Rum achieved the feat across 1973, 1974 and 1977. If I Am Maximus wins on Saturday, he joins racing immortality.
When Is the Grand National 2026?
The 2026 Randox Grand National takes place on Saturday 11th April 2026 at 4:00pm at Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside. It is the climax of the three-day Aintree Festival, with Ladies Day on Friday 10th and the final day of racing on Saturday.
What TV Channel Is the Grand National On?
The Grand National 2026 is live on ITV1 — free to watch across the UK. Coverage begins from approximately 1pm and is also available via ITVX on mobile, tablet or desktop. No subscription required.
Going Report — Good to Soft
The ground at Aintree is Good to Soft ahead of Saturday’s race, after between eight and ten millimetres of water was applied earlier in the week. Conditions favour stayers with a relaxed jumping style — well-suited to Willie Mullins’ string and horses coming from Ireland’s softer winter surfaces.
Aintree Festival — Saturday Schedule
Grand National 2026 — Key Facts
- Race distance is 4 miles and 514 yards with 30 fences over two circuits of Aintree.
- 34 runners confirmed. Six reserves stood down unless a withdrawal occurs before 1pm Friday.
- Prize money totals £1 million; winning connections receive approximately £561,300.
- Willie Mullins has nine runners — 26% of the field — bidding for a third consecutive National.
- Patrick Mullins has switched from Nick Rockett to Grangeclare West.
- Johnnywho (16/1) only made the field after late withdrawals — the Ultima winner is a live each-way play.
- Haiti Couleurs bids to become the first Welsh-trained National winner since Kirkland in 1905.
- Twig — bought for £100 — will be ridden by the owner’s 21-year-old son, Beau Morgan.