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When is the Grand National 2026? Start time and how to watch on TV



The Grand National is almost here with Aintree set to host a festival of jump racing and the biggest race in the calendar.

Last year saw a thrilling race with Nick Rockett triumphing to beat the defending champion I Am Maximus. Legendary horse racing trainer Willie Mullins will hope to triumph once again after his son, Patrick, was able to join the family celebrations by guiding Nick Rockett – a 33/1 shot on betting sites – to victory.

This year sees I Am Maximus return, with a great chance of two wins in three years, and jockey Paul Townend is back in the saddle, having clinched glory with the JP McManus-owned horse in 2024.

Townend, who saddled Gaelic Warrior to Gold Cup glory at Cheltenham last month, has not partnered up with I am Maximus in his three races since, but will do so for the National with Patrick Mullins being given his dad’s other fancied shot Grangeclare West as his ride this year.

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s race:

When and where is the Grand National 2026?

The Grand National takes place at Aintree on Saturday, 11 April, with the race starting at 4pm BST.

How can I watch the Grand National 2026?

You can watch the race on ITV1 with ITV Racing broadcasting the racing throughout the week, with three days of action for fans to get stuck into.

Who are the runners and riders for the Grand National 2026?

The field was made official with Wednesday morning’s final declarations, as a full field of 34 horses was announced.

Horse; jockey; trainer

  • 1. I Am Maximus; Paul Townend; Willie Mullins
  • 2. Nick Rockett; Tom Bellamy; Willie Mullins
  • 3. Banbridge; JJ Slevin; Joseph O’Brien
  • 4. Grangeclare West; Patrick Mullins; Willie Mullins
  • 5. Gerri Colombe; Jack Kennedy; Gordon Elliott
  • 6. Haiti Couleurs; Sean Bowen; Rebecca Curtis
  • 7. Spillane’s Tower; TBC; Jimmy Mangan
  • 8. Firefox; Keith Donoghue; Gordon Elliott
  • 9. Monty’s Star; TBC; Henry de Bromhead
  • 10. Spanish Harlem; Brian Hayes; Willie Mullins
  • 11. Lecky Watson; Sean O’Keeffe; Willie Mullins
  • 12. Champ Kiely; Danny Mullins; Willie Mullins
  • 13. Iroko; Jonjo O’Neill Jr; Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
  • 14. Favori De Champdou; Danny Gilligan; Gordon Elliott
  • 15. Three Card Brag; Jordan Rainford; Gordon Elliott
  • 16. Oscars Brother; Daniel King; Connor King
  • 17. Mr Vango; Jack Tudor; Sara Bradstock
  • 18. High Class Hero; James Bowen; Willie Mullins
  • 19. Stellar Story; Robert Dunne; Gordon Elliott
  • 20. Beauport; Sam Twiston-Davies; Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
  • 21. Captain Cody; Jonathan Burke; Willie Mullins
  • 22. Jagwar; TBC; Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
  • 23. Perceval Legallois; Harry Cobden; Gavin Cromwell
  • 24. Gorgeous Tom; Sean Flanagan; Henry de Bromhead
  • 25. The Real Whacker; Gavin Sheehan; Patrick Neville
  • 26. Quai De Bourbon; Donagh Meyler; Willie Mullins
  • 27. Answer To Kayf; John Shinnick; Terence O’Brien
  • 28. Jordans; Ben Jones; Joseph O’Brien
  • 29. Final Orders; Conor Stone-Walsh; Gavin Cromwell
  • 30. Marble Sands; Kielan Woods; David Killahena & Graeme McPherson
  • 31. Panic Attack; Harry Skelton; Dan Skelton
  • 32. Top Of The Bill; Toby McCain-Mitchell; Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
  • 33. Johnnywho; Richie McLernon; Jonjo & A J O’Neill
  • 34. Twig; Beau Morgan; Ben Pauling

Reserves (in order of who will get a run should there be a withdrawal):

  • Pied Piper
  • Imperial Saint
  • Amirite
  • Ain’t That A Shame
  • Soul Icon
  • Hyland

Who are the favourites?

I Am Maximus 7/1

Grangeclare West 9/1

Jagwar 10/1

Iroko 12/1

Panic Attack 14/1

Oscars Brother 16/1

Captain Cody 16/1

Johnnywho 16/1

Haiti Couleurs 16/1

Nick Rockett 16/1

Racing schedule and times

Thursday 9 April – Opening Day

13:45 – Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f

14:20 – William Hill Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 2m 1½f

14:55 – The Aintree Bowl Chase (Grade 1) 3m 1f

15:30 – Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase 2m 5f

16:05 – William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f

16:40 – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 2m

17:15 – Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m 1f

Friday 10 April – Ladies Day

13:45 – William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 2m 4f

14:20 – Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 3m 1f

14:55 – Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m ½f

15:30 – Jcb Melling Chase (Grade 1) 2m 4f

16:05 – Randox Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 2m 5f

16:40 – Oddschecker Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m ½f

17:15 – Debenhams Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys’ And Amateur Riders’ Race) 2m ½f

Saturday 11 April – Grand National

12:45 – Hallgarten & Novum Wines Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 2m

13:20 – William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 3m ½f

13:55 – Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f

14:30 – William Hill Handicap Chase (Registered As The Freebooter Handicap Chase) (Premier Handicap) 3m 1f

15:05 – Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m ½f

16:00 – Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Class 1) (Premier Handicap) 4m 2½f

17:00 – Weatherbys Nhstallions.Co.Uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m 1f