When is the 2026 Grand National? Prize money, date, time, length, jumps, how to watch, confirmed runners, odds
It’s the biggest day of the year for British horseracing,
Held annually at Aintree Racecourse, in Merseyside, the Grand National was first run in 1839 - with this year's race the 178th time it has been held.
An estimated 500 to 600 million people watch the Grand National in over 140 countries.
Last year saw the top three placed horses all trained by Willie Mullans, with 33/1 shot Nick Rockett ridden by amateur jockey Patrick Mullins coming home ahead of 2024 winner (and this year’s favourite) I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West.
Here's everything you need to know about this year's race.
When is the 2026 Grand National?
The Grand National takes place on Saturday, April 11, and will start at the new earlier time of 4pm which was introduced last year.
How can I watch the Grand National?
The Grand National will be broadcast live on STV - and if you miss any of the action you can catch up later on the STV Player
How long is the Grand National course and how many jumps are there?
The race takes place over an official distance of about 4 miles and 2½ furlongs (6.907 km), with horses jumping 30 fences over two laps.
What's the prize money for the 2026 Grand National?
There will be a million pounds up for grabs at this year's Grand National, split among the first ten finishers as follows.
- 1st – £561,300
- 2nd – £211,100
- 3rd – £105,500
- 4th – £52,700
- 5th – £26,500
- 6th – £13,200
- 7th – £6,800
- 8th – £3,600
- 9th – £2,000
- 10th – £1,000
The owner receives 75 per cent of the prize money, with the remaining 25 per cent split between the trainer, the jockey, and stable staff.
What horses will be racing in the 2026 Grand National?
Here are the 34 confirmed runners, although some may pull out before the race.
- I Am Maximus
- Nick Rockett
- Banbridge
- Grangeclare West
- Gerri Colombe
- Haiti Couleurs
- Spillane's Tower
- L'homme Presse
- Firefox
- Monty's Star
- Spanish Harlmen
- Lecky Watson
- Champ Kiely
- Iroko
- Favori de Champdou
- Three Card Brag
- Oscars Brother
- Mr Vango
- High Class Hero
- Stellar Story
- Beauport
- French Dynamite
- Captain Cody
- Jagwar
- Perceval Legallois
- Gorgeous Tom
- The Real Whacker
- Quai de Bourbon
- Answer To Kayf
- Jordans
- Now Is The Hour
- Final Orders
- Marble Sands
- Panic Attack
Who is favourite to win the Grand National 2026?
Here are the 10 most fancied horses and their latest odds:
- I Am Maximum - 8/1
- Jagwar - 9/1
- Iroko - 10/1
- Grangeclare West - 10/1
- Oscars Brothers - 12/1
- Haiti Couleurs - 14/1
- Johnnywho - 16/1
- Montys Star - 16/1
- Panic Attack - 16/1
- Stellar Story - 20/1
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