The Grand National Favourites Record Provides Plenty Of Food For Thought
Grand National | Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside | Saturday April 11, 2026 | 4pm
With the 2026 edition just around the corner, punters will be curious to know a little bit more about the Grand National favourites record and how often they cross the line first. Unsurprisingly, the stats highlight just how unpredictable the Merseyside Marathon actually is.
And perhaps that is why Grand National betting is likely to exceed the £250million mark for bets taken just in the UK and Ireland on April 11. Globally, with online betting markets, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see approximately £400m punted on the World’s Greatest Steeplechase.
That demonstrates not just a vast interest in the National, bettors will often back anything and everything. The form book goes out of the window when Aintree comes around. The race itself can be gruelling, with 30 jumps to navigate as well as a large field of competitors all jostling for success.
Granted, the Grand National favourite is generally the most commonly backed entry but it is wise to expect the unexpected. It’s actually a rarity for the favourite to win, hence why the Grand National odds offer plenty of value. But again, how often does the favourite win the Grand National? BetVictor News takes a closer look.
Grand National Favourites Record
Since the first official Grand National race in 1839, just 20 favourites have won over 186 renewals. That gives a percentage of 10.75%. If the joint-favourites are included as well, the total increases to 28 (15%). That is an extremely low figure which further highlights just how tough the Merseyside Marathon actually is.
Although the Grand National runners have been trimmed to 34 entries since the 2024 extravaganza, the rarity of success is still apparent. Bettors must be sure to choose wisely – as the stats prove – a starting price favourite crossing first doesn’t happen often.
When Did The Last Favourite Win The Grand National?
You actually only have to go back to 2023 for the last favourite to win. Corach Rambler did so with a time of 9m 12.06s and going off at 8/1. In terms of a joint-favourite, I Am Maximus did so in 2024. That victory enhanced Willie Mullins Grand National record who was also victorious with Nick Rockett 12 months ago and with Hedgehunter in 2005.
Prior to Corach Rambler, Tiger Roll romped home in 2019 with an SP of just 4/1. From the turn of the century, only Hedgehunter (2005) and Comply or Die (2008, JF) have tasted success at Aintree. Scroll down for a list of all Grand National favourite winners by decade (including JF).
- 2020s – I Am Maximus, Corach Rambler
- 2010s – Tiger Roll, Don’t Push It
- 2000s – Comply or Die, Hedgehunter
- 1990s – Rough Quest, Earth Summit
- 1980s – Grittar
- 1970s – Red Rum
- 1960s – Merryman II
- 1950s – Freebooter
- 1940s – N/A
- 1930s – N/A
- 1920s – Sprig
- 1910s – Poethyln, Jerry M
- 1900s – Drumcree
- 1890s – Manifesto, Why Not, Cloister, Come Away, Ilex
- 1880s – Roquefort, Woodbrook
- 1870s – Reugny, The Colonel
- 1860s – The Huntsman, Anatis
- 1850s – Bourton
- 1840s – Discount
- 1830s – N/A
Who Is The 2026 Grand National Favourite?
The 2026 Grand National favourite is Willie Mullins-trained I Am Maximus, who is available at 7/1 on BetVictor. The 2024 winner – who of course, was a joint-favourite – is currently the most popular choice for punters in the lead up the Merseyside Marathon.
Although the starting price favourite has tasted success in three of the last six renewals, the overall stats don’t lie and show how beautifully unpredictable the World’s Greatest Steeplechase actually is. Behind I Am Maximus is another Mullins horse in the shape of Grangeclare West who is currently at 9s with Jagwar 10/1 and Iroko 12/1.
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. Odds correct as of 10:30am April 1, 2026.
18+ | gambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly
