The World’s Greatest Steeplechase Was First Run In 1839
Grand National | Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside | Saturday April 11, 2026 | 4pm
With the 2026 extravaganza firmly on the horizon, BetVictor News takes a closer look at the number of Grand National runners, the favourites for April’s showpiece and the latest odds of all the initial entries.
Grand National Runners In 2026: How Many Entries?
When it comes to horse racing betting in the UK, the Grand National is one of the most popular and prestigious events on the calendar. Even those who rarely punt will more often try their luck on the World’s Greatest Steeplechase.
Some may beat the bookie, some may not. But what makes the race intriguing to all levels of bettors is the number of Grand National runners who typically go to the post. For example, a record-breaking field of 67 horses contested the 1929 edition.
Another anomaly occurred in 1947 when 57 horses ran for glory but in the modern era, the field has been trimmed down considerably. Between 1984 up until the 2023 Grand National, a maximum field of 40 was warranted.
Owing to new safety measures and precautions, the field has been limited to a maximum of 34. The decision was made by Clerk of the Course Sulekha Varma and appears to be a compromise as there were calls to reduce the field from 40 down to 30.
Commenting on the reduction in Grand National runners, Varma said, “We know from research papers and internal analysis of jump races that there is a direct correlation between the number of runners and the risk of falling, unseating or being brought down.
“However, we also must consider that reducing the field size by too great a number could create a faster race and have an adverse impact in terms of safety,” she added.
2026 Grand National Favourites And Odds
A sit stands, there are a total of 56 initial entries that will have to be whittled down to the maximum of 34. The favourite in BetVictor’s Grand National odds market is I Am Maximus. The Willie Mullins-trained 2024 winner can be backed at 9/1.
Up next is three selections all available at 10/1. The trio in question are Jagwar, Iroko and Grangeclare West. Coming in at 16’s are four potential entries. Johnnywho, Haiti Coleurs, Oscars Brother and Montys Star will all be gunning for glory.
Last year’s winner Nick Rockett is available at 20/1. That is the same price as Panic Attack and Captain Cody. As seasoned punters will know, anything and everything can happen in the Grand National which of course, is reflected by the prices.
Scroll down for a full list of the initial entrants and their corresponding Grand National odds.
- I Am Maximus 9/1
- Jagwa – 10/1
- Iroko – 10/1
- Grangeclare West – 10/1
- Johnnywho – 16/1
- Haiti Coleurs – 16/1
- Oscar’s Brother – 16/1
- Montys Star – 16/1
- Panic Attack – 20/1
- Captain Cody – 20/1
- Nick Rockett – 25/1
- Now Is The Hour – 25/1
- Spillanes Tower – 25/1
- Favori de Champdou – 25/1
- Stellar Story – 25/1
- Gerri Colombe – 25/1
- Gorgeous Tom – 25/1
- Jordans – 33/1
- Quai De Bourbon – 33/1
- Final Orders – 33/1
- Lecky Watson – 40/1
- Perceval Legallois
- Banbridge – 50/1
- Champ Kiely – 50/1
- Firefox – 50/1
- L’Homme Presse – 50/1
- High Class Hero – 50/1
- Spanish Harlem – 50/1
- Three Card Brag – 50/1
- Deep Cave – 66/1
- Mr Vango – 66/1
- Marble Sands – 66/1
- Twig – 66/1
- Answer To Kayf – 66/1
- High Class Hero – 66/1
- Blaze The Way – 66/1
- Highland – 80/1
- Pied Piper – 80/1
- The Short Go – 100/1
- Monbeg Genius – 100/1
- Buddy One – 100/1
- Imperial Saint – 100/1
- French Dynamite – 100/1
- Anyway – 100/1
- Will Do – 100/1
- Amirite – 100/1
- The Real Whacker – 100/1
- Beauport – 100/1
- Shanbally Kid – 100/1
- Harry des Ongrais – 100/1
- In d’Or – 100/1
- Yeah Man – 100/1
- Weveallbeencaught – 100/1
- Top of The Bill – 100/1
- Ain’t That A Shame – 100/1
- Soul Ico – 100/1
*Odds correct as of 3pm, March 25, 2026 – all subject to change.
If you intend to bet on the 2026 Grand National, then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on horse racing.
Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to outcomes.
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