Check out our Grand National Runners A-Z Guide or our Grand National Runners hub with star ratings to help you find the horse to back.
Grand National Runners and Riders
Aintree 2026 Guide The Grand National at Aintree Racecourse is renowned for its large field and competitive group of horses and jockeys.
As one of the world’s most iconic steeplechases, the build up to the race is as big as the event itself, with fans and punters alike analysing the runners and riders ahead of the big day.
The 2026 Grand National is scheduled for Saturday 11 April 2026 with the race off at 16:00. With the full field now confirmed we take a look at some of the notable jockeys and horses who could be partnering up for the big race.
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How the Grand National runners are decided
The process begins with a longlist of horses entered in the race, often including 70 – 80 names or more. From this longlist:
- The handicap weights are published in mid February.
- Scratchings (trainers removing their horses from the race) occur in March.
- Final confirmations reduce the field to just 34 runners permitted on race day.
To make the final field, horses must meet the official entry requirements, including proven stamina over long distances, proven jumping and the ability to perform in a high-class chase.
Grand National 2026 Runners
Potential runners include a mix of proven stayers, former National performers and rising contenders: Notable potential runners:
- I Am Maximus – 2024 Grand National winner and bidding for another bold National showing
- Iroko – Strong staying profile and well fancied when sent off favourite for the 2025 edition
- Grangeclare West – Consistent jumper with solid form, he won the Bobbjo chase this season which has become a strong pointer for National success
- Jagwar – Emerging staying contender who has finished 3rd, 2nd, 2nd, so far this season.
- Favori De Champdou – one of the older horses in the field but has been a revelation since winning the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown at 66/1!
You can see the full field on our Grand National Runners page alongside the latest odds and form!
Jockeys to watch
The jockey and horse need to have a strong connection to make it through the marathon distance, but jockey appointments can also indicate an owner or trainer's strongest chance.
Stable jockeys, such as Paul Townend for Willie Mullins, will get first pick of the powerful yard's horses. It also helps to be experienced over Aintree's Grand National fences to handle the unique challenge and large field.
Some jockeys to note when looking at the field:
- Paul Townend
- Sean Bowen
- Jack Kennedy
- Mark Walsh
- Harry Cobden
- Jonjo O'Neill Jr.
- Patrick Mullins
These riders bring a blend of big race experience, tactical nous and proven ability that is essential in a contest of this scale.
Notable Jockey and Horse Pairings for the 2026 Grand National
Paul Townend
Paul Townend opted to renew his partnership with I Am Maximus. The duo were together for the previous two Grand Nationals, winning in 2025 and finishing runner up in 2025.
There had been some questions over whether he would opt for Bobbyjo Chase winner, Grangeclare West, but he decided to stick with his proven partner.
Sean Bowen
Sean Bown and Haiti Couleurs have a long history. The pair have raced together 11 times and won seven of those, including in the Irish and Welsh Grand Nationals. Sean seems to know the right buttons to push to get this talented horse home in big races.
Jack Kennedy
Gordon Elliott's stable jockey could pick from a few here, but has opted for Gerri Colombe in his first attempt at a marathon distance. He has run well previously in the Cheltenham Gold Cup so stamina shouldn't be an issue and his class could come to the fore.
Mark Walsh
In his final race as retained jockey for owner J.P. McManus, Mark Walsh has a few options to choose form, including those near the top of the market. He has opted for Jagwar, an incredibly progressive chaser who hasn't quite hit top form this year.
However, this new test over a marathon trip could suit him and his big engine.
Harry Cobden
Harry Cobden will be partnering with a new horse in 2026, he is in the plate for Perceval Legallois, another of J.P. McManus' runners. He seemed progressive in the 2024/25 season and hasn't been at his best so far this year, but does boast some strong credentials and with a former Champion Jockey in the saddle the pair could be a threat.
Jonjo O'Neill Jr. and Iroko
Jonjo O'Neill has opted to pair with Iroko, the 2025 favourite for the race. The pair have a long history with Jonjo accounting for 14 of his 17 runs in the UK and Ireland. He finished 4th last year, the only non-Mullins trained horse to finish in the places and there is no reason to doubt another bold showing from the pair.
Patrick Mullins
Patrick Mullins guided Nick Rockett to success in 2025 and while he doesn't get first choice of the Mullins runners (Paul Townend has that right), he did get second choice and opted for Bobbyjo Chase winner, Grangeclare West.
He is an exciting prospect after finishing third in the 2025 Grand National and winning the same race Nick Rockett won prior to success last year. Patrick has shown he can win on the biggest stage the pair should be a dangerous combination.
Trends and what to look for
When analysing Grand National runners and riders, consider:
- Past performance in long distance chases – Horses with stamina proven at three miles or more often fare better.
- Aintree experience – Previous starts in the Grand National can be a real asset over tricky fences like Becher’s Brook and The Chair.
- Jockey skill over fences – Riders with National experience or big race prowess can extract extra from their mounts. These factors help separate contenders from the rest of the field.
Final Word
Runners and riders at a glance:
- Early markets and declarations suggest a competitive line up including former winners and seasoned stayers.
- Jockey appointments feature some of the most experienced National riders.
- The relationship and chemistry between horse and jockey is key, pay attention to who is riding your selection
- Keep an eye on how the markets have reacted to different bookings
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