Grand National Horses – Runners, Winners & Odds Guide

Every year, the Grand National at Aintree captures the attention of millions. The race is known for its gruelling distance, towering fences, and a field of horses that can change fortunes in an instant. For anyone looking to understand which horses are running, who has won in the past, and what the latest odds suggest, the key details are gathered here.

The 2026 edition was run on Saturday, 11 April 2026, with 34 horses declared. The winner was I Am Maximus, a result that surprised some but confirmed the horse’s exceptional stamina. For 2027, the official runners list will not be finalised until closer to the race, but antepost markets and historical trends already offer useful signals.

This guide covers the confirmed 2026 runners, the complete list of past winners, current predictions and odds, and practical betting tips grounded in data from official and reputable sources.

Which Horses Are Running in the Grand National?

• Pre-race favourites have won only seven times since 1999, highlighting the race’s unpredictability.
• I Am Maximus won both the 2024 and 2026 editions, demonstrating rare back-to-back success.
• Age and weight trends show that 8- and 9-year-olds carrying around 11 stone are the most frequent winners.
• Most Grand National runners are geldings; only three fillies have ever won the race.
• The field is capped at 40 runners, but typically 34 to 40 actually start.

For the 2026 race, ESPN reported that 34 runners were declared and published a partial runners list with odds. Notable entries included I Am Maximus at 7-1, Panic Attack at 7/1, Jagwar at 15/2, Grangeclare West at 8/1, Johnnywho at 11/1, Monty’s Star at 12/1, Iroko at 14/1, Oscars Brother at 14/1, Captain Cody at 18/1, and Gorgeous Tom at 20/1. The full field can be explored via the ESPN race preview here.

2027 Runners: What Is Known So Far

The official 2027 runners list will not be published until closer to the race, typically a few days before the April fixture. Early antepost betting pages from Coral and Ladbrokes, as well as guide sites such as Grand National Fans and the Horses Racing Guide, already list potential contenders. These pages provide odds based on historical performance and market sentiment, but the final declared field will only emerge after the confirmation stage. Current information can be checked at Grand National Fans and Horses Racing Guide.

How Many Horses Run in the Grand National?

The race has a maximum capacity of 40 runners, but the actual number that goes to post is often lower. In 2026, 34 horses were declared. The final number depends on withdrawals, ground conditions, and veterinary checks on the day.

Who Won the Grand National? A Complete Winners List

The Grand National has been run since 1839. The most famous winner is Red Rum, who triumphed three times (1973, 1974, 1977). In the modern era, several horses have won multiple times, though the handicap system makes repeat victories rare. I Am Maximus joined that select group by winning in 2024 and again in 2026.

The official list of previous winners is maintained by The Jockey Club and can be viewed on their website. That page includes every winner from 1839 to the present day, along with the jockey, trainer, and year.

Notable Winners and Trends

Since 2000, winners have generally been aged 8 or 9. According to Grand National Fans, eight of the last ten winners were 8 or 9 years old. The exceptions were Noble Yeats (7 years old in 2022) and I Am Maximus (10 years old in 2026). Most winning horses carried 11 stone or less, though recent renewals have shown that horses carrying more can still succeed.

Favourite Performance Over Time

Pre-race favourites do not win often. Since 1999, the favourite has won only seven times. This is one of the reasons the Grand National attracts such wide interest — the outcome is rarely straightforward. The average winning price is approximately 20/1, and many winners come from the 14/1 to 33/1 range.

Grand National 2026 Predictions & Odds

For the 2026 race, the betting market saw late movement. ESPN reported that Panic Attack was likely to go off as the favourite, while Coral’s preview named I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett as the joint favourites. In the end, I Am Maximus won at 7-1.

2026 Odds for Selected Runners

Key Factors Considered by Bookmakers

Coral and Ladbrokes both recommend that punters focus on form, weights, ground conditions, and market movers when assessing the race. The going on the day — soft, good, or firmer — can significantly influence which horses perform best. Watching for late market support is a common tactic used by experienced bettors.

Practical Betting Tips

Based on advice from Coral and Ladbrokes, here are several practical tips for anyone considering a bet on the Grand National:

• Check recent form over staying trips and in big-field chases.
• Review the handicap weight carefully — lighter burdens can help.
• Assess ground preference — some horses act better on soft ground, others on good or firmer.
• Watch for market support, which can indicate late confidence from connections.
• Use each-way coverage if backing outsiders, since the race often rewards long-priced finishers as well as winners.

Grand National Results: How to Find & Interpret Them

Final results are published by the Jockey Club and by major news outlets such as ESPN shortly after the race. For the 2026 race, ESPN provided a full results breakdown including finishing positions, times, and distances.

Historical results for every Grand National since 1839 are available from The Jockey Club’s official previous winners page. That page lists all winners, their jockeys, and trainers. It is the definitive source for any historical result query.

How to Interpret Grand National Results

When reading a Grand National result, the key columns to check are the finishing position, the horse’s name, age, weight carried, jockey, and the distance beaten. Paying attention to how close the placed horses were to the winner can reveal patterns. A horse that finishes second carrying top weight, for example, often remains a strong contender for future renewals.

A Timeline of Key Grand National Milestones

1. 1839 — The first Grand National is run at Aintree. The winner is Lottery.
2. 1973–1977 — Red Rum wins three times (1973, 1974, 1977), becoming the most successful horse in Grand National history.
3. 1990 — Mr Frisk sets the fastest winning time (8 minutes 47.8 seconds) in the modern era.
4. 2012 — Neptune Collonges wins by a nose, the closest finish in Grand National history.
5. 2022 — Noble Yeats wins at age 7, the youngest winner since 1940.
6. 2024 — I Am Maximus wins at Aintree.
7. 2026 — I Am Maximus wins again, confirming rare back-to-back success.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About the Grand National

The Analysis Behind Grand National Winners

The Grand National is a handicap chase, meaning each horse carries a weight intended to equalise chances. Horses with proven stamina over long distances and experience in big-field chases tend to perform best. The ground (going) also plays a major role: some horses handle soft ground well, while others prefer firmer conditions.

Jockey and trainer partnerships matter too. Successful jockeys such as Davy Russell, who has won twice, bring experience of navigating the unique Aintree fences. Trainers who specialise in staying chasers, like Willie Mullins (trainer of I Am Maximus), often have an edge.

For those interested in broader sporting analysis, you may also find the Japanese Grand Prix 2025 – Full Results and Race Recap or the Rugby 6 Nations 2025 – Full Schedule, Results and Winner to be useful comparisons of how major events are structured and reported.

Sources and Expert Voices on Grand National Horses

The information in this article draws on several authoritative sources. The Jockey Club provides the official list of previous winners and race history. ESPN published a detailed 2026 Grand National preview with runners, odds, and market analysis. Coral and Ladbrokes both offer antepost odds and betting guides. Grand National Fans and the Horses Racing Guide provide additional runner lists and historical trends.

“The Grand National is a unique test of stamina and jumping. Horses that have proven themselves over three miles or more in competitive handicaps are the ones to focus on.”

— Coral Betting Guide

“I Am Maximus is a leading contender at 7-1. The 2026 Grand National field has been declared as 34 runners.”

— ESPN Grand National Preview

Summary: What You Need to Know About Grand National Horses

The 2026 Grand National was won by I Am Maximus at 7-1, with 34 runners declared. The full list of past winners goes back to 1839, with Red Rum the most successful horse. For 2027, the official runners list is not yet available, but antepost odds and historical trends offer early guidance. Pre-race favourites win infrequently, and the average winning price is around 20/1. Punters are advised to focus on form, weight, ground conditions, and market moves. The next race is scheduled for April 2027 at Aintree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grand National Horses